The Menendez brothers could receive a sensational new trial after the Los Angeles County prosecutor announced that his office was taking a fresh look at their case.
Brothers Erik and Lyle were convicted almost 35 years ago of the murder of their parents José and Kitty Menéndez, in their Beverly Hills mansion.
Their initial trials stalled after they argued the killings were out of fear for their lives after they threatened to expose their father’s years of physical and sexual abuse.
However, they were found guilty at a subsequent trial after a judge refused to allow testimony about José’s alleged sexual abuse of their children, which is the basis of their ongoing appeal.
If granted a new trial, the Menendez brothers could be freed if a jury finds them guilty of voluntary manslaughter instead of murder, which would trigger their release since they have served more than the maximum sentence.
Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted in 1996 of murdering their parents in a crime that shocked the nation.
Los Angeles County Prosecutor George Gascon said at a news conference Thursday that his office was reviewing evidence from the trial, but repeatedly insisted that he was in no way committed to the validity of the new claims.
Gascon said authorities have no doubt that the brothers carried out the murders, but he said there is renewed scrutiny over whether the jury in their second trial heard vital evidence.
The prosecutor said he will determine whether Brother Menéndez will receive a new trial, or if the Prosecutor’s Office will request a new sentence, which would presumably be reduced to involuntary manslaughter and would set them free.
A hearing on the new evidence has been set for Nov. 29.
Los Angeles County Prosecutor George Gascon said at a news conference Thursday that his office was reviewing evidence from the 1996 trial.
The Menendez brothers, seen in recent mugshots behind bars, were convicted nearly 35 years ago of the murder of their parents.
The Menendez trials in 1996 garnered national attention when observers questioned how the privileged, handsome brothers could have killed their parents in their mansion.
In recent weeks, their case has returned to the spotlight as it was profiled in a new Netflix show, which came under scrutiny for depicting the brothers in an incestuous relationship, which they and their followers deny.
Their appeals against their convictions were bolstered last year when a former member of the Menudo gang brought charges against José Menéndez.
Musician Roy Rosselló claimed that José also sexually abused him while he was working as an executive in the music industry.
The accusations opened the door to appeals by the Menéndez brothers, as it was alleged that critical evidence was not admitted.
The Menéndez brothers’ appeals were boosted last year when Roy Rosselló (pictured), former member of the Menudo gang, brought rape allegations against José Menéndez.
Regarding the new allegations, Gascon said his office is “not ready to believe or disbelieve that information” before it is verified.
“We are here to tell you that we have a moral and ethical obligation to review what is presented to us and make a determination,” he said.