The Menendez brothers are back in the news, this time, owing to some new evidence that could potentially change things for them.
The brutal 1989 murders of José and Kitty Menendez in their Beverly Hills home by their sons, Lyle and Erik Menendez, have become global news once again. Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, the Netflix series is partially responsible for this renewed interest. The Menendez brothers were convicted in 1996. Lyle was 21 then, and Erik was 18. They are 56 and 53 now.
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Some new evidence has emerged decades after the crime happened, and this has prompted wonder about whether justice was served. As reported, the Menendez brothers had previously claimed that the murders were a desperate act of self-defense after years of sexual abuse by their father.
Their lawyer, Mark Geragos, has introduced some new evidence that offered the brothers hope for a resentencing.
New evidence could lead to resentencing of the Menendez brothers
On October 16, lawyer Mark Geragos introduced two important pieces of evidence in a press conference. He believed it could lead to a resentencing of the Menendez brothers. An informal request by a judge for the District Attorney (DA) to respond to these new findings, has already been issued, according to Geragos.
First and foremost, there's a letter written by Erik Menendez to his cousin, Andy Canto. This letter was written eight months before the murders happened. In the letter, Erik describes the abuse at the hands of his father, in detail. He writes:
“I’ve been trying to avoid dad. It’s still happening… Every night I stay up thinking he might come in.”
Marta Cano is José Menendez’s sister and the aunt of the Menendez brothers. It was in her home that the letter was found. Previously, Andy’s claims about the abuse were dismissed during the second trial. Mark Geragos now has reasons to believe that with the letter backing up Andy’s testimony, the legal proceedings could be turned.
Former Menudo band member Roy Rosselló has come up with the second piece of evidence in the form of a declaration. He claims that he was also assaulted by José Menendez in their Beverly Hills home.
Geragos emphasized that it took immense courage for Roy to come forward and share his story. This further backs the claims against José and what an abusive environment he had created, especially in his home.
The impact of Roy Rosselló’s declaration
Roy Rosselló’s statement has stirred up a lot of attention to the case. José Menendez was the COO of RCA Records back then. He had connections with the Latino boy band Menudo.
According to Rosselló’s claims, he was drugged and assaulted by José in the 1980s. He also said that José used his home as his "safe space" to prey on victims. Geragos spoke about an "uncomfortable rule" in that home. Nobody was allowed to walk down the hallway if José was alone with one of the boys.
With the Menendez brothers having spent more than 30 years in prison, this new evidence could indicate that change is around the corner. Geragos is calling for a resentencing. As of now, the evidence is being reviewed by the prosecutors of the case.
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon commented on the case. He said he had,
"A moral and ethical obligation to review what is being presented to us.”
Will the Menendez brothers get a new trial?
According to legal experts, new evidence like Erik's letter and Roy’s declaration definitely backs up the abuse claims but it doesn’t guarantee a new trial.
All eyes will be on the next hearing on November 26. Until then, the legal system will be reviewing these latest developments.
Stay tuned to Soap Central for more updates and detailed coverage.
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