Menéndez Brothers’ Prison Behavior Played A Key Role In Resentencing Decision

The Menéndez brothers, Lyle and Erik, whose 1990 conviction for the brutal killings of their parents gripped the nation, are once again making headlines as Los Angeles County prosecutors recommend a resentencing for the 1989 murders at the family's Beverly Hills home.

The decision, announced by District Attorney George Gascón during a Thursday, October 24 news conference, opens the possibility of freedom for the brothers after 34 years behind bars.

The move reflects a reassessment of The Menéndez brothers' long-term incarceration, offering them a potential path to freedom after 34 years behind bars.

Joseph "Lyle" Menéndez and Erik Galen Menéndez were found guilty of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menéndez, at their Los Angeles residence on August 20, 1989. The couple was discovered in the living room, fatally shot with two 12-gauge shotguns.

The crime’s brutality was so severe that investigators first suspected mob ties, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Jose was shot at point-blank range in the back of the head, with three additional shots targeting his arms and legs. Kitty, meanwhile, sustained four gunshot wounds to the head and five more to other parts of her body.

During the first trial in 1994, the juries could not reach a unanimous verdict after hearing Lyle and Erik’s testimony, in which they claimed self-defense, arguing they feared their parents would kill them to prevent exposure of the alleged abuse they had suffered. The deadlock resulted in a mistrial, leading to a second trial, where the brothers were ultimately convicted.

A resurgence of interest in the Menéndez brothers’ case, fueled by the recent Netflix series, "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story," has reignited debates surrounding their possible release from prison.

On Thursday, District Attorney George Gascón announced that the Los Angeles County prosecutors recommend that Erik and Lyle Menéndez be resentenced.

He explained that while the sentence would typically be 50 years to life, their age at the time of the crimes — both were under 26 — makes them eligible for immediate parole consideration.

"We are going to recommend to the court (on Friday) that the life without the possibility of parole be removed and they would be sentenced for murder," Gascón said. "I believe that they have paid their debt to society. The final decision will be made by the judge."

Gascón stated that his decision was partly influenced by a review of the brothers’ behavior while incarcerated.

Despite facing the prospect of life imprisonment, they refrained from misconduct or joining gangs, choosing instead to support fellow inmates in improving their lives. He noted that they initiated groups aimed at helping inmates cope with untreated trauma and supporting those with physical disabilities.

Additionally, Lyle advocated for improved living conditions within the prison.

Amid a heated re-election campaign, Gascón finds himself facing off against former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman, who released a pointed statement casting doubt on the timing of the resentencing decision, highlighting how it coincides with the upcoming election.

"D.A. George Gascón received the Menendez habeas corpus petition in May 2023 and request for resentencing in February 2024. Yet, he has waited until days before the November 5 election, 30 points down in the polls with articles coming about how his failed policies have led to additional murders of innocent people, to release his recommendation for resentencing. By releasing it now, Gascon has cast a cloud over the fairness and impartiality of his decision, allowing Angelenos to question whether the decision was correct and just or just another desperate political move by a D.A. running a losing campaign scrambling to grab headlines through a made-for-TV decision. Angelenos and everyone involved deserve better."

At the news conference, Gascón declined to answer reporters' questions about how the decision might relate to his re-election campaign.