New Evidence in the Menendez Brothers Case? Exploring Netflix’s Monsters and Related Subjects

According to a report from TIME on October 3, 2024, prosecutors are examining new evidence related to the Menendez Brothers’ conviction. The Menendez Brothers, Erik and Lyle Menendez, were sentenced to life imprisonment in 1996 after being found guilty of the double homicide of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.

The recent Netflix series, Monsters season 2, titled The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, has sparked interest among true crime aficionados. The show aims to dramatize the Menendez brothers’ narrative, fueling curiosity about the notorious case and the lives of Erik and Lyle.

“We are reviewing information,”says George Gascon regarding the Menendez Brothers’ case

As per the TIME report, Los Angeles prosecutors involved in the Eric and Lyle Menendez case are currently reviewing newly surfaced evidence.

District Attorney George Gascon stated in a recent news conference that once this new evidence regarding the decades-old homicide is thoroughly reviewed, the judge will determine whether a resentencing or retrial is feasible in this high-profile case.

Gascon remarked:

“We have not decided on an outcome. We are reviewing information.”

A hearing related to this case is scheduled for November 29, 2024.

What new evidence could potentially reopen the double homicide case?

The newly discovered evidence is a letter Erik Menendez wrote to his cousin Andy during childhood. This letter reportedly supports claims made by the brothers about being sexually abused by their father. The letter was reportedly withheld during the original trial in the 1990s, according to reports from the US SUN.

Part of the letter, which could lead to a new trial, reads:

“I’ve been trying to avoid dad. It’s still happening Andy but it’s worse for me now. I can’t explain it. He is so overweight that I can’t stand to see him. I never know when it’s going to happen and it’s driving me crazy. I never know when it’s going to happen and it’s driving me crazy.”

The letter continues:

“Every night I stay up thinking he might come in. I need to put it out of my mind. I know what you said before but I’m afraid. You just don’t know Dad like I do. He’s crazy! He warned me a hundred times about telling anyone, especially Lyle. I don’t know how I’ll make it through this. I can’t handle it, Andy. I need to stop thinking about it.”

Though no decision has been made regarding a retrial yet, this letter gives a glimmer of hope for the Menendez brothers.

In a related note, musician and former Menudo member Roy Rosello has come forward, alleging that Jose Menendez sexually assaulted him, further corroborating Erik and Lyle’s claims.

Erik and Lyle Menendez murdered their parents in their home

The Menendez brothers received life sentences in 1996 after being convicted of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, on August 20, 1989. The couple was shot multiple times in their Beverly Hills home.

During their trials, the brothers disclosed that their father had subjected them to sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, while their mother failed to intervene. They claimed their actions were driven by self-defense in a desperate attempt to protect themselves.

However, prosecutors contended that the Menendez Brothers killed their parents to inherit their wealth, noting their extravagant spending following the double homicide.

Following the success of Monsters season 2, Netflix is set to release a documentary titled The Menendez Brothers, which will delve deeper into this brutal case and will feature interviews from Erik Menendez, Lyle Menendez, and others for the first time.

The Menendez Brothers documentary is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on October 7, 2024.

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