Notorious Menendez brothers murder case to be reviewed

The Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, have been incarcerated for nearly 35 years after being convicted of murdering their parents. This tragic event took place in 1989 at their luxurious Beverly Hills home. The brothers shot their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, and prosecutors argued that their motive was to inherit their father's wealth. Recently, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon announced that the case will be reviewed. He stated that there is a 'moral and ethical obligation' to examine new evidence presented by the brothers last year, which claims they were victims of sexual abuse by their father and acted in self-defense. The public's interest in the case has surged again, especially following the release of a Netflix series that dramatizes the events surrounding the murders. During the initial trial, prosecutors maintained that the brothers' actions were driven by greed. They highlighted how the brothers spent a significant portion of their inheritance on extravagant items such as Rolex watches, luxury cars, and high-end real estate before they became suspects in the case. This portrayal of lavish spending, showcased in a highly publicized televised trial, contributed to the notoriety of the case across the United States. The first trial ended in a hung jury after the Menendez brothers brought forth allegations of abuse that spanned several years. However, during the second trial, much of this evidence was not allowed to be presented. Ultimately, the brothers were found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 1996. At the time of the murders, Lyle was 21 years old, and Erik was just 18. The new evidence being considered includes a letter from Erik Menendez to his cousin, written in 1988, which reportedly references the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father. Additionally, a controversial Netflix drama based on the case features Nicholas Chavez as Lyle Menendez, Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez, and Javier Bardem as their father, Jose Menendez. Gascon, the leading prosecutor in Los Angeles County, emphasized that none of the new information has been confirmed yet. He stated during a news conference, 'We are not, at this point, ready to say that we either believe or do not believe that information. ' He further explained that they have a responsibility to review the claims being presented to them. Gascon clarified that his office is not suggesting that there was anything wrong with the original trial. He mentioned that this review could potentially lead to a resentencing or even a new trial for the brothers. A hearing is scheduled for November 26, as reported by CBS News. Following the release of the Netflix series, titled Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, Gascon noted that his office has received a surge of calls from the public. Some relatives of the brothers expressed that they believe the brothers have been 'victimized by this grotesque shock-drama. ' Ryan Murphy, the creator of the show, defended the series and described the family's negative reaction as 'predictable at best. ' Recently, reality TV star Kim Kardashian also voiced her support for the Menendez brothers, further igniting public interest in their case. In an article for NBC News, she stated, 'They are not monsters. They are kind, intelligent, honest men. ' This renewed attention on the Menendez brothers' case raises questions about justice, abuse, and the complexities of their story.