Judge Mathis Weighs In On Possible Freedom For Menéndez Brothers

Judge Greg Mathis, a prominent figure in American courtroom television, recently expressed support for Erik and Lyle Menéndez’s bid for freedom.

Speaking at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Thursday, Mathis emphasized that the claims of childhood molestation at the hands of their father, José Menéndez — whom they were convicted of killing — could potentially alter the judicial view of their case.

Judge Mathis made it clear that, in his opinion, the Menéndez brothers have served a considerable amount of time for their crimes and, in light of the abuse allegations, should be granted release.

According to TMZ, Judge Mathis expressed that, if he were overseeing their resentencing, he would shorten their punishment in light of the molestation claims and expedite their release.

As The Blast reported, there has been a notable twist in the case of Erik and Lyle, the brothers’ legal proceedings have shifted with the reassignment of their case to a new judge. The change removes a judge who may have been receptive to the Menéndez brothers' bid for release, introducing fresh uncertainty as a new judge now takes over.

The case has been reassigned to the Van Nuys Courthouse, the site of their original 1996 trial, where the Menéndez brothers were convicted for the 1989 murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menéndez.

After nearly 35 years behind bars, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has formally recommended that the brothers be resentenced, a decision that could potentially grant them eligibility for parole.

The move comes in response to newly surfaced evidence suggesting they suffered abuse at the hands of their father, which could reshape the understanding of their actions. The D.A.'s office has indicated it is also open to reconsidering the brothers’ convictions altogether, a step that could lead to their immediate release.

The case dates back to August 20, 1989, when then-18-year-old Erik and his then-21-year-old brother, Lyle, stunned the nation by fatally shooting their parents in the family’s Beverly Hills mansion. Armed with shotguns they had bought just days earlier, the brothers launched a brutal assault that captivated the public and ignited a series of sensational trials that would ultimately define their story in the media.

The case of Lyle and Erik Menéndez has found renewed attention with the release of Netflix’s series "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story."

The dramatization revisits the 1989 murders of their parents, José and Kitty, shedding light on the complex family dynamics and allegations of abuse that may have shaped the brothers’ actions. The series has ignited public discussion, sparking calls to reassess their convictions.

In the initial 1994 trial, juries were deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous verdict after hearing testimony from Lyle and Erik. The brothers argued that they acted in self-defense, claiming they feared their parents would kill them to keep alleged abuse they had suffered hidden. This resulted in a mistrial, leading to a second trial in which the brothers were ultimately convicted.

As Erik faces the possibility of release after nearly 35 years in prison, he is preparing for a fresh start in Southern Nevada.

Sources speaking with TMZ indicate that Erik plans to live with his wife, Tammi Menéndez, who currently resides in Las Vegas. If released, Erik intends to transition from life behind bars to life in the city, reuniting with his wife and beginning anew.

The couple, who wed in 1999 during Erik’s incarceration, have maintained their relationship through letters and phone calls, with Tammi consistently advocating for his freedom and expressing hope for their future together.

Ahead of the premiere of "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story," Erik voiced his dissatisfaction with the portrayal of him and his brother, Lyle, in the series.

In a statement, Erik contended that the show misrepresents their claims of childhood abuse and their argument of self-defense in their parents’ killings. “I believed we had moved beyond the lies and ruinous character portrayals of Lyle, creating a caricature of Lyle rooted in horrible and blatant lies rampant in the show," he remarked.

Erik further emphasized that these inaccuracies distort the true nature of their experiences, which they have consistently stood by since their legal case began. "I can only believe they were done so on purpose," he added. "It is with a heavy heart that I say, I believe Ryan Murphy cannot be this naive and inaccurate about the facts of our lives so as to do this without bad intent.”