The Future of the Menendez Brothers: A Decision on the Horizon

The fate of Erik and Lyle Menendez is in the hands of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón. He plans to make a decision within the next 10 days about whether to recommend resentencing for the brothers. If he does, it's possible they could be out of prison by the end of the year. The brothers have been serving life sentences without parole since 1995 for the murder of their parents. More than a dozen relatives of the brothers believe that they have served their time and that the original case didn't properly consider their claims of abuse by their father. Gascón agrees with these family members and believes the brothers' allegations of abuse. He is currently reviewing evidence to support these claims. The brothers were first tried in 1993, but the jury couldn't make a decision. In the retrial in 1995, most of the sexual abuse claims were deemed inadmissible. The brothers were convicted because the prosecutors argued they killed their parents for money and went on a spending spree afterward. Last year, the brothers presented new evidence to support their abuse claims. This includes a letter one of the brothers wrote to a cousin months before the murders, describing his fear of their father. A former member of the band Menudo also alleged that he was raped by the brothers' father. However, not all family members believe the brothers. Some argue that even if the abuse claims are true, it doesn't excuse the murders. The case has gained renewed attention due to a popular Netflix series about the brothers. Laurie Levenson, a criminal law professor, says that despite public interest, the brothers' release is not guaranteed. The decision will be made in court, not by public opinion. Gascón has acknowledged differences of opinion within his office about whether the brothers should be resentenced. He plans to review prison files and talk to the prosecutors handling the case to make an informed decision. Gascón's public comments suggest he is open to the idea of resentencing. He believes that if the brothers have shown good behavior for 35 years, they might be ready to reintegrate into society.