Clemency Approved: What’s Next for Menendez Brothers Seeking Release from Prison?

Los Angeles, California – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón declared his support for the Menendez brothers’ plea for clemency from Governor Gavin Newsom, potentially paving the way for their release. This announcement follows Gascón’s recent decision to seek a resentencing for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were convicted of the 1989 murders of their parents. Gascón expressed his strong backing for clemency, citing the brothers’ accomplishments during their 34 years of incarceration, including pursuing education and creating programs to aid in the rehabilitation of fellow inmates.

The Menendez brothers’ legal team submitted a clemency request to the governor, while the district attorney’s office sent letters of support to Governor Newsom. Mark Geragos, one of the brothers’ attorneys, is advocating for their release before Thanksgiving and is also pursuing clemency from Newsom. The governor recently acknowledged the matter during a podcast, referring to the Netflix docudrama “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” as a catalyst for renewed discussions regarding the brothers’ fate.

Gascón’s attempt to have the Menendez brothers resentenced for simple murder, potentially making them eligible for parole due to their age at the time of the crimes, is on hold pending the outcome of the clemency request. The upcoming hearing on December 11 will address the district attorney’s proposal to amend the brothers’ sentences, which currently mandate life without parole. Geragos plans to present a habeas filing on November 25, seeking a sentence reduction to manslaughter that could lead to immediate release.

The case has garnered support from celebrities and loved ones of the Menendez brothers, while facing criticism from those skeptical of Gascón’s motivations. The district attorney emphasized that the final decision on the brothers’ release lies with various entities, including the judiciary, the parole board, Governor Newsom, and the potential successor to Gascón. In a detailed motion, Gascón’s office argued that the brothers no longer pose a threat to public safety and should be freed based on their conduct in prison.

Legal experts are closely monitoring the case, noting that possible resentencing by Judge Michael Jesic may offer a more direct path to freedom for the Menendez brothers. While the parole board’s decision will play a pivotal role, Governor Newsom retains the authority to veto any parole grants if public safety concerns arise. The outcome of the upcoming election for district attorney could also influence the brothers’ fate, as Gascón’s potential successor may reassess the case and its implications before a final decision is made on their release.