Family and friends of Lyle and Erik Menendez publicly asked for the release of the brothers, who have spent over 30 years in prison for killing their wealthy parents in Beverly Hills.
The Menendez case old became very famous after the brothers were arrested for the 1989 deaths of Kitty and Jose Menendez. UK
On Wednesday, family, friends, and a lawyer gathered outside a Los Angeles courthouse to call for their release, claiming the brothers suffered severe abuse from their father and are not a danger to society.
The event comes as the Los Angeles District Attorney is examining new evidence in the case about the alleged abuse and whether it could warrant a retrial or allow a lighter sentence.
“If they were the Menendez sisters, they would not be in jail,” said Anna Maria Baralt, the niece of Jose Menendez, at a crowded news conference. “We have changed.”
Ms. Baralt was talking about how society treated male victims of sexual assault 30 years ago, which prosecutors have also recognized.
The brothers went to trial in 1993 and admitted to shooting their parents with shotguns but claimed they did it in self-defense after years of abuse from their father.
Prosecutors argued the brothers planned the murder while their parents were watching TV so they could get their money.
The case had a retrial because the first jury couldn’t agree.
In the second trial in 1995, much of the evidence about the abuse was not allowed. A jury found both brothers guilty of first-degree murder, and they received life sentences without parole.
Interest in the case has grown again since a Netflix series about it came out in September. New possible evidence includes a letter from Erik detailing the abuse by their father.
Kitty Menendez’s sister, Joan Anderson VanderMolen, was helped to speak at the news conference. At 92, she called her nephews’ actions “tragic.” She said they were “just children” who were “hurt in terrible ways.”
She argued that when they were on trial, “the world wasn’t ready to believe young men could be victims of sexual violence.” But now, “we know better,” and “a jury today would not give such a harsh sentence.”
Earlier this month, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced his office is looking into the case again and might either reduce their sentences or give them a new trial. The results will be shared in a hearing at the end of November.
Mr. Gascón’s office said they are committed to a fair process and are exploring all options for justice.
The family is asking Mr. Gascón to recommend a reduced sentence, which could lead to their release if a judge agrees.
