District Attorney George Gascón of Los Angeles County announced his support for clemency for Lyle and Erik Menendez, who are serving life sentences for killing their parents in 1989. The brothers have served 34 years in prison and have demonstrated rehabilitation efforts, leading Gascón to recommend clemency. The Menendez brothers have also submitted requests for clemency to Governor Gavin Newsom, seeking immediate release.
The brothers were convicted of murder after killing their parents with shotguns in Beverly Hills. Defense attorneys argued that the brothers were sexually abused by their father, but most of these claims were not admissible in court. Gascón has filed a motion to resentence the brothers to 50 years to life, which could make them eligible for parole immediately due to their age at the time of the crimes. A hearing is scheduled for December 11 to decide on resentencing.
In the clemency requests, the Menendez brothers’ attorneys emphasized the long history of sexual abuse by their father and their efforts at rehabilitation. Both brothers have earned degrees and created programs to assist fellow inmates. Their attorneys argue that their age and rehabilitation efforts make them strong candidates for clemency. The Menendez brothers’ initial trial in 1993 resulted in mistrials, but they were convicted of first-degree murder in 1996. Prosecutors claimed the brothers killed their parents for financial gain. Governor Newsom’s office has not commented on the clemency requests, as they are confidential pending review.
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