Menendez Brothers Seek to Reconsider Convictions and Life Sentences
Background and Motivation
Attorneys for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, are set to ask a judge to reconsider their convictions and life sentences. The brothers are serving their sentences at a prison in San Diego.
New Evidence and Allegations
The defense team, led by Mark Geragos, will present new evidence and allegations of sexual abuse at the hands of their father, Jose Menendez. This new evidence includes a letter written by Erik Menendez to a cousin in 1989, eight months before the killings, and recent allegations by Roy Rosselló, a former member of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, that he too was sexually abused by Jose Menendez as a teenager.
Request for Resentencing
The defense team is seeking a resentencing hearing to downgrade the brothers’ charges to voluntary manslaughter. If successful, this could lead to their release from prison, as they would be considered youthful offenders.
Involvement of Current and Incoming District Attorneys
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has requested that the judge resentence the brothers. The current governor, Gavin Newsom, has deferred his decision on clemency until incoming District Attorney Nathan Hochman reviews the case.
Incoming District Attorney’s Position
Nathan Hochman, who will take office in December, has been a strong advocate for tougher crime policies. His review of the Menendez case is expected to be thorough and may influence any clemency decisions made by the governor.
Upcoming Hearings
The brothers are set to attend a virtual hearing on Monday, where they will argue for resentencing. A second hearing is scheduled for December 11.
Conclusion
The Menendez brothers’ case has garnered significant attention in recent years, particularly with the release of a documentary and dramatic series on Netflix. The new evidence and allegations of sexual abuse have raised questions about the brothers’ guilt and the fairness of their original convictions. The upcoming hearings will be closely watched by the public and legal experts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the new evidence being presented in the Menendez brothers’ case?
A: The new evidence includes a letter written by Erik Menendez to a cousin in 1989 and recent allegations by Roy Rosselló, a former member of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, that he too was sexually abused by Jose Menendez as a teenager.
Q: What is the current position of the Los Angeles County District Attorney?
A: Current District Attorney George Gascón has requested that the judge resentence the brothers to voluntary manslaughter, making them eligible for parole as youthful offenders.
Q: What is the position of the incoming District Attorney?
A: Nathan Hochman, the incoming District Attorney, has not publicly stated his position on the case, but his strong stance on crime policies suggests that he may take a different approach than his predecessor.
Q: What is the next step in the case?
A: The Menendez brothers are set to attend a virtual hearing on Monday, followed by a second hearing on December 11. The governor’s office has deferred any clemency decisions until the incoming District Attorney reviews the case.
