On October 3, 2024, The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, led by DA George Gascón, announced they would be reevaluating the 1989 murder case of Kitty and José Menéndez, who were slain by their two sons, Erik and Lyle Menendez. As a result of public interest due to the Netflix series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” the case is being reviewed, and the Menendez brothers could be freed.
Initially, Erik and Lyle Menéndez were tried in 1993, with their attorneys Jill Lansing and Leslie Abramson claiming that the brothers were sexually and physically abused by their father, Jose Menéndez, to justify the murders. Both brothers had deadlocked trials and were freed. However, in 1996, Erik and Lyle were tried again, using the same defense strategy, and were both found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
It is unknown what evidence brought about the DA’s review, but it could pertain to the sexual abuse claims that were made in both of their trials. Additionally, Gascón mentioned that his office disagreed on whether or not the Menéndez brothers have spent enough time in prison, as they have already served twenty-eight years. Gascón claims his office has “a moral and ethical obligation to review what is being presented to us.”
For over three decades, the Menendéz brothers have caused international controversy about abuse and the Los Angeles justice system. Before their first trial, riots broke out in Los Angeles due to four police officers being acquitted for beating Rodney King. After their 1996 conviction, many believed that Erik and Lyle deserved a new trial despite both brothers already enduring two trials.
It is possible that the DA’s review could lead to a third trial for both Menéndez brothers. However, new evidence that wasn’t found in the original trial must be found. Otherwise, it is unlikely that either Erik or Lyle will be retried. Additionally, it is not publicly known whether or not Erik or Lyle are willing to go through with another trial.
The Menéndez case is one of many cases that cause questions about the U.S. justice system, especially regarding free and fair trials. George Gascón could finally close the case after three decades, or new evidence could emerge that would change the story of the entire case.
