Developments in the case for the Mennendez brothers After the Los Angeles court turned on the “green light” last Friday (11.04.2025) for the continuation of the hearing on the revision of their sentence brothers Eric and Layle Menendez – Despite the intense opposition of the local prosecutor. Defense lawyers seek to be imposed on two men milder penaltywhich may pave the way for their release.
The Menendez brothers, Eric and Layle, were convicted of killing their parents in their Beverly Hills villa in 1989, a notorious case that still divides Americans. They are currently serving life imprisonment without the possibility of suspension in California, and have also emerged and hopes for their release.
The long -awaited case came back to the forefront, after revealing new elements and circulation of his series Netflix Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which was very popular.
In accordance with BBCFriday’s decision means that the two high -profile hearing procedures will continue this week to review the Mennendez brothers’ penalties. Los Angeles prosecutor Nathan Hellman has strongly expressed his opposition to reviewing their sentence after his predecessor’s decision to launch the process shortly before the November elections.
Menendez’s request is based on California law which allows prisoners who were under 26 years of age to take a review of their sentence and possible release in terms – acknowledging that the development of the human brain continues until the mid -20s.
If their sentence is revised and converted to 50 years in prison up to life imprisonment, they will meet the conditions for suspension of the sentence, as the BBC explains.
Laye and Eric Menendez participated in the hearing through video call From a prison of San Diego. As prosecutors described in detail the murder of their parents, the two men seemed quite nervous, looking down, sighing deeply and making movements that betrayed their embarrassment.
The prosecution argued that, although it is legitimate to recognize the prisonersa penalty review is a procedure that must be done sparingly by the judicial system.
THE Mark Geragos, Brothers Lawyerhe said the prosecutor’s office is so concerned about the possibility of a review of the case, substantially ignoring the behavior and action of the two men in prison for the last 35 years. As he said, Menendez have completed their studies and have been actively contributing to the creation of rehabilitation programs For prisoners with disabilities, the elderly and people with mental trauma.
Eventually the judge who gave the “green light” to continue the process, ruled that the prosecutors did not prove sufficiently because the hearing should be stopped, and stressed the importance of consistency, even in times of change of leadership.
The 3 possible scenarios for the outcome of the legal process
Legal analysts say there are various scenarios on how this hearing can end up.
The first scenario and a simpler outcome would be to reject the request, and keep life imprisonment without the possibility of suspending the sentence. This scenario is being sought by the Los Angeles prosecutor, with Hellman insisting that the brothers have not fully assumed their responsibilities.
To one second scenariothe court could follow Gaskon’s previous sentence and impose them penalty of in prison from 50 years to life imprisonment, giving them the right to request suspension. However, release is not guaranteed in this case either, since they will have to convince a special committee that they are no longer a threat to society.
The third scenario is to impose them reduced penalty, But it does not provide for the possibility of release, which means it would mean that they should definitely remain in prison for a few more years.
It is worth noting that, even if the legal procedure for reviewing their sentence has a negative effect, not all for the Menendez brothers will have been lost, the British media notes.
THE Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, He is still considering giving them a favor. Newsom said the two men are going to appear on the State’s release committee on June 13, 2025, to evaluate whether they are a danger to society. Depending on the findings of the evaluation, the ruler could It is graceful, turning their sentence or even releasing them immediately.