Menendez Brothers Resentencing Delayed Amid New Abuse Claim \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A judge has postponed the resentencing hearing for Erik and Lyle Menendez, convicted of murdering their parents 35 years ago, to January 30. The delay allows time to review evidence, including new abuse allegations against their father, Jose Menendez. Family members remain divided over the brothers’ bid for release after decades behind bars.
Menendez Brothers Resentencing: Case Updates and New Evidence – Quick Looks
- Hearing Delayed: Resentencing for Erik and Lyle Menendez is now set for January 30, 2024.
- Judge’s Reason: Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic cited the need to review evidence and allow a new district attorney to weigh in.
- Abuse Allegations: New claims include a 1988 letter from Erik describing abuse and a statement from ex-Menudo member Roy Rossello.
- Family Division: Some relatives advocate for release, citing decades served and abuse evidence; others insist the original sentence fits the crime.
- Cultural Impact: Renewed attention stems from Netflix and Peacock docuseries about the Menendez brothers and their father’s alleged crimes.
- Prosecution’s Stance: Prosecutors recommended resentencing last month, citing rehabilitation and good behavior.
Deep Look
Menendez Brothers’ Resentencing Delayed Amid Controversy
Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic explained that the rescheduling allows time to examine extensive documentation, including 17 boxes of records, and for Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles’ incoming district attorney, to evaluate the case. Hochman, who takes office on December 2, replaces outgoing DA George Gascón, who had advocated for resentencing.
The Menendez Brothers’ History
Erik, now 53, and Lyle, 56, were convicted of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. Prosecutors argued the brothers were motivated by greed, seeking to inherit their parents’ fortune. The defense claimed the murders stemmed from years of physical and sexual abuse by their father.
A New Bid for Freedom
In May 2023, the brothers’ attorneys filed a habeas corpus petition, introducing new evidence to support their claims of abuse. Central to their case are:
- Erik’s 1988 Letter: A letter to his uncle, Andy Cano, in which Erik described sexual abuse by his father. This letter, revealed in a 2015 Barbara Walters special, was unknown during their trial.
- Testimony from Roy Rossello: A former member of the Latin pop group Menudo, Rossello alleges Jose Menendez drugged and sexually assaulted him in the 1980s. Rossello’s account, featured in the Peacock docuseries Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed, adds credibility to the brothers’ claims.
The brothers’ legal team argues this evidence could have influenced the trial, as prosecutors maintained there was no corroboration of the abuse claims.
Family Divided Over Resentencing
“We miss those who are gone tremendously,” Baralt said, referencing Jose and Kitty Menendez. “But we miss the kids too.”
However, Kitty Menendez’s brother, Milton Andersen, opposes resentencing. Through his attorneys, Andersen argued that the brothers’ actions—shooting their parents and ensuring their deaths by reloading—were premeditated and warranted their life sentences.
Cultural Resurgence and Public Interest
The case has seen renewed public attention thanks to recent media projects. Netflix’s Monsters: Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and Peacock’s The Menendez Brothers documentary have reignited debates about the trial and the potential influence of today’s understanding of abuse.
Prosecution and Clemency Considerations
Last month, prosecutors recommended resentencing, citing the brothers’ efforts toward rehabilitation and good behavior in prison. A new sentence could make them immediately eligible for parole.
Los Angeles DA George Gascón supported the move, but his successor, Hochman, has promised a more measured approach. California Governor Gavin Newsom has also declined to weigh in, stating he will defer judgment until Hochman reviews the case.
A Lengthy Path to Justice
Judge Jesic’s September order gave broad authority to the court-appointed trustee overseeing the case, including the power to reject evidence that conflicts with the best interests of the involved parties. The judge emphasized transparency, stating, “We’re all going to an evidentiary hearing and I’m going to figure out exactly what happened.”
What’s at Stake?
If resentenced, the brothers could gain an opportunity for parole, potentially ending a 35-year saga of incarceration. However, strong opposition from certain family members and legal complexities may prolong their path to freedom.
The case’s outcome could set a precedent for how courts handle historical claims of abuse in criminal defense, particularly as societal attitudes toward abuse survivors evolve. With the January 30 hearing on the horizon, the Menendez brothers and their extended family face an uncertain future.
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