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The Menendez Brothers‘ fight to obtain their freedom won’t be happening this year as their resentencing hearing gets rescheduled. Lyle and Erik Menendez gained infamy in the 90s for murdering their parents, José and Mary Louise ‘Kitty’ Menendez. The brothers claimed they suffered years-long abuse at their father’s hands while their mother was complicit in his crimes.
Thanks to Netflix’s The Menendez Brothers, people became aware of the duo’s story, with many believing their abuse claims. Outgoing Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón is one of the brothers’ most prominent supporters. He fought to earn them a resentencing hearing on December 11, but the schedule has been postponed.
At a status hearing on Monday, November 25, in Van Nuys, Gascón argued for the brothers’ resentencing and parole. Lyle and Erik joined the hearing from their San Diego prison over the phone but reportedly did not speak. They were meant to participate via video but failed due to technical issues. Their virtual appearance marks their first time in court in decades.
The Menendez Brothers’ Habeas Corpus Petition
Besides Gascón’s resentencing plea, Judge Michael V. Jesic also considered the brothers’ 2023 habeas corpus petition. The filing argued that evidence of their father’s abuse wasn’t presented at their past trials. The list included a letter Erik wrote to his cousin in 1988, about eight months before killing his parents. The letter appeared to support Erik and Lyle’s claims of being sexually abused by their father.
Another piece of evidence was a declaration from former Menudo member Roy Rossello. The singer accused José, an entertainment executive in the 1980s, of raping him. Additionally, the duo’s attorney, Mark Geragos, defended their case with a few witnesses. The list included two aunts who begged for their release. Unfortunately, the resentencing hearing for December 11 has been postponed to January 30-31. TMZ reported that the new date stemmed from a scheduling conflict with the judge.
The Menendez Brothers’ Supporters Are Displeased With The Hearing Postponement
News of the postponed hearing sparked heartbroken reactions from fans on X. These Menendez brothers’ sympathizers could not believe the duo would remain in prison for another holiday. One disappointed fan shared two images from Erik and Lyle’s youth while apologizing for their suffering. Another stressed that the brothers should have been released years ago, while a third labeled their imprisonment “crazy.” The lamentations continued with someone writing:
“I figured they wouldn’t be out by the holidays, but hopefully they will be home for the holidays next year. I am disappointed it was delayed, but at least it’s only like by 6 weeks. Hopefully, once they are resentenced, everything does smoothly, and they can be released finally.”
We previously covered that Erik and Lyle’s resentencing hearing would feature six key witnesses testifying about their good behavior. These witnesses were prison employees, including two correctional officers, one education officer, and a prison guard. The list continued with a correctional lieutenant and another employee from the Department of Corrections. These people crossed paths with the brothers and are the best candidates to speak on their reformed images.
Erik and Lyle’s attorney also filed an emotional letter from the Menendez family, who begged for their immediate release. Their loved ones noted their belief in the duo’s “remorse,” stressing they had been punished for killing their parents.
Will the Menendez brothers regain their freedom in 2025?
