As the Los Angeles County district attorney considers new evidence that may lead to the release of Lyle and Erik Menendez from prison after over 30 years, nearly two dozen of their relatives are expected to advocate for them at a news conference on Wednesday.
In 1996, the Menendez brothers were convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty, in their Beverly Hills home. Despite admitting to the killings, both men argued during their trial that they were acting in self-defense and had endured years of physical and sexual abuse from their father.
The defense attorneys for the brothers have contended that crucial evidence of abuse was not presented to the jury due to restrictions imposed by the judge overseeing the 1996 case.
In 2023, a petition was filed on behalf of the Menendez brothers, citing new allegations of sexual abuse by Jose Menendez and a letter written by Erik Menendez to a cousin hinting at the abuse he suffered.
During an interview with ABC, the cousin, Karen Vander MolenCopley, recalled observing a change in the demeanor of the Menendez brothers over the years, from lively young boys to increasingly somber individuals.
MolenCopley, who is set to speak at the news conference, expressed her belief that Lyle and Erik should be released and reunited with their family after more than three decades in prison.
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón is currently reviewing the evidence presented in the 2023 petition and considering re-sentencing the brothers based on this new information.
Recently, Gascón shared an image on social media of a handwritten letter submitted by the Menendez attorneys as part of their petition. The letter, written by Erik Menendez, details his efforts to avoid his father and alludes to ongoing abuse.
Gascón highlighted the significance of the letter in an interview with ABC, emphasizing that it underscores the abuse claims that formed a central part of the brothers' defense. A decision on the Menendez brothers' sentence is expected to be made by Gascón's office later this month.
