Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón has stirred the pot by proposing a change in the sentences for Lyle and Erik Menendez, which could lead to their eventual release if a judge agrees.
Gascón announced, “We’re suggesting to the court that the life without parole sentence be replaced with a 50 years to life sentence for murder. They were under 26 when the crimes occurred, which means they’re eligible for parole right away.”
The DA’s office plans to file for resentencing soon, pushing for a new sentence that includes the possibility of parole.
“We’ll file a petition that outlines our reasoning,” Gascón explained. “This is just the formal beginning; no one will be in court just yet.”
Now aged 56 and 53, the brothers have been incarcerated for three decades following the brutal shooting of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home on August 20, 1989.
At the time, Lyle (21) and Erik (18) claimed they acted in self-defense after enduring abuse, arguing their lives were in danger from their parents. They were convicted of first-degree murder in 1996, receiving life sentences without the chance of parole.
Efforts in 2005 to appeal their sentences were unsuccessful, with courts siding against their self-defense claims.
Now, Gascón, who has been reviewing new evidence for over a year, is taking a significant step by recommending resentencing, a move that has sparked mixed reactions within his own office.
Gascón admitted, “There’s no consensus. Some believe they should remain incarcerated, while others think they should be released.”
The fate of the Menendez brothers now rests with a judge, who has 30 to 45 days to decide whether to uphold, reject, or alter their sentence. Gascón, amid a challenging reelection campaign, asserts this decision is separate from politics.
“This isn’t about politics,” he stated. “We’ve resentenced over 300 individuals, including 28 for murder. Once we submit it, it’s up to the court.”