Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were convicted of murdering their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in 1989, have been handed a major setback in their ongoing legal battle. The brothers, who have spent 36 years in prison for the crime, were recently denied parole and saw their 2023 petition for a new trial rejected by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge.
In 1996, Erik and Lyle were sentenced to two consecutive life prison terms without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of the brutal murders of their parents. During their trial, the brothers claimed they had been subjected to years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, which they argue led them to commit the crime. Despite these claims, they were sentenced to life in prison.
This year, the brothers were given a glimmer of hope when they were resentenced, making them eligible for parole. The decision followed the emergence of a letter written by Erik in 1988 to his cousin, in which he described the ongoing abuse he was suffering at the hands of his father, José. This letter was presented as part of the new evidence supporting their allegations of long-term abuse.
Erik Menendez was denied parole last month, soon followed by Lyle (California Department of Corrections via Getty Images)
In May, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge granted Erik and Lyle a new sentence of 50 years to life, allowing them to be eligible for parole. However, their recent attempts to seek further leniency have been unsuccessful. Last month, Erik was denied parole, followed shortly by Lyle’s denial.
The brothers’ petition for a new trial, filed in 2023, relied on two new pieces of evidence: Erik’s 1988 letter and testimony from Roy Rosselló, a former member of the band Menudo, who claimed he was sexually abused by José Menendez during his teenage years. The petition argued that this new evidence could corroborate the brothers’ allegations of abuse.
However, Judge William C. Ryan ruled against the petition, stating that the new evidence, while slightly supporting the brothers’ claims of abuse, was not strong enough to have changed the outcome of their trial. The judge concluded that the murders were committed with “premeditation and deliberation” and that the new evidence would not have created enough reasonable doubt to alter the original verdict.
This ruling marks a significant blow for the Menendez brothers, who continue to face obstacles in their fight for a new trial and potential release. Their case has been a point of ongoing public debate, with many sympathizing with their claims of abuse and others questioning the extent of their responsibility in the murders.
A judge has rejected a request for a new trial (California Department of Corrections via Getty Images)
If you or someone you know has been affected by issues related to abuse or sexual assault, you can reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or visit online.rainn.org for support.
