New Evidence Emerges in Lyle and Erik Menendez Case
Investigator Claims Letter Reveals Possible Molestation of Erik Menendez
Robert Rand, author of "the Menendez Murders" and a longtime investigator on the case, has been working to uncover new evidence to possibly free Lyle and Erik Menendez, who have been imprisoned for nearly three decades for murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.
A key piece of evidence may have been uncovered in Rand’s investigation, a letter written by Erik Menendez in 1988 to his cousin Andy Cano. The letter, written when Erik was 17 years old, complains of ongoing sexual abuse from their father.
Letter a "Major Piece of New Evidence"
Rand found the letter in 2018 during a visit to Cano’s room, while rummaging through old papers and documents. Speaking on the significance of the letter, Rand stated:
"I found the letter in a dresser full of Andy Cano’s paper in 2018 when his mother Marta let me go through his room, and she said, ‘If you can find anything, great.’ I found that letter and realized it was a major piece of new evidence."
Impact on Potential Resentencing
The letter is part of the new evidence that Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón is reviewing, alongside a second piece of evidence: a signed declaration from a former member of the band Menudo claiming that he, too, was molested in the Menendez mansion by Jose Menendez. The District Attorney is also considering the possibility of resentencing the brothers if Gascón believes they have repaid their debt to society.
Brothers and Their Lawyer Optimistic about New Development
Rand revealed that he has been communicating regularly with the brothers, and the new development has given them "cautious optimism" about potentially being released from prison. Mark Geragos, their defense attorney, is leading the charge to have them released or resentenced based on this new evidence.
Conclusion
The findings in the Menendez brothers’ case are a striking development in a decades-long legal saga. If upheld, this new evidence may be a game-changer for Lyle and Erik Menendez, potentially setting them free from prison.
FAQs
What is the significance of the letter found by Robert Rand?
The letter allegedly written by Erik Menendez to his cousin Andy Cano in 1988 is believed to be significant as it provides new evidence of sexual abuse at the hands of their father.
How will this affect the brothers’ prison sentence?
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón is reviewing the new evidence and may consider resentencing the brothers if he believes they have repaid their debt to society.
Who else has come forward with allegations of molestation?
A former member of the band Menudo has signed a declaration alleging that he was also molested by Jose Menendez at the Menendez family home.
What do Lyle and Erik’s defense attorney Mark Geragos plan to do next?
Geragos will work with Gascón’s office to push for either a reduction in the brothers’ sentence or their potential release from prison based on this new evidence.
