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The Menéndez brothers' behavior in prison played a key role in the resentencing

The Menéndez brothers' behavior in prison played a key role in the resentencing

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

The decision, announced by District Attorney George Gascón during a press conference on Thursday, October 24, 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 and offers them a possible path to freedom after 34 years behind bars.

Los Angeles County prosecutors are recommending that Erik and Lyle Menéndez be resentenced

Erik and Lyle Menendez in courtErik and Lyle Menendez in court

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

The brutality of the crime was so serious that investigators initially suspected gang connections, the reported Los Angeles Times. Jose was shot at close range in the back of the head, with three more shots aimed at his arms and legs. Kitty, meanwhile, suffered four gunshot wounds to the head and five more to other parts of her body.

Thanks to the Netflix series, interest in the Menéndez brothers' case is rekindling

During the first trial in 1994, jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict after hearing testimony from Lyle and Erik, in which they pleaded self-defense and argued that they feared their parents would kill them to prevent it the alleged abuse they suffered comes to light. The deadlock resulted in a mistrial, which led to a second trial in which the brothers were ultimately convicted.

Resurgent interest in the Menéndez brothers' case, fueled by the recent Netflix series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story,” has reignited debates about their possible release from prison.

On Thursday, District Attorney George Gascón announced that the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is recommending resentencing of Erik and Lyle Menéndez.

The Menéndez brothers would be immediately eligible for parole if life without the possibility of parole were abolished

Erik Menendez in the courtroomErik Menendez in the courtroom

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He explained that the sentence is normally 50 years to life in prison, and that their age at the time of the crime – both were under 26 – was suitable for immediate parole.

“We will recommend to the court (on Friday) to cancel the life sentence without possibility of parole and convict her of murder,” Gascón said. “I believe they have paid their debt to society. The judge will make the final decision.”

The Menéndez brothers' behavior behind bars played a role in this decision

Gascón stated that his decision was partly influenced by a review of the brothers' behavior during their incarceration.

Although they faced a life sentence, they refrained from misbehaving or joining gangs, choosing instead to support their fellow inmates in improving their lives. He noted that they have created groups aimed at helping inmates deal with untreated trauma and supporting people with physical disabilities.

In addition, Lyle campaigned for improved living conditions in prison.

Prosecutor George Gascón's decision comes amid a heated re-election campaign

Amid a heated re-election campaign, Gascón is facing off against former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman, who released a strong statement casting doubt on the timing of the resentencing decision and stressing that it coincides with the upcoming election.

“Prosecutor George Gascón received the habeas corpus petition for Menendez in May 2023 and the request for resentencing in February 2024. Yet he waited until a few days before the November 5 election, trailing by 30 points in the polls and articles about how his failed policies have led to further murders of innocent people by Gascon abandoning his recommendation for resentencing he the fairness and impartiality of his decision and leaves Angelenos questioning whether the decision was right and just or just another desperate political move by a prosecutor running a losing campaign and making headlines with a made-for-TV decision, and everyone involved deserve better.

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

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