11 Shocking Revelations About the Menendez Brothers
1. Who are the Menendez Brothers?
The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, are two brothers who were convicted of murdering their parents, Jos and Kitty Menendez, in 1989.
2. What was the motive behind the murder?
The brothers claimed they killed their parents in self-defense, alleging years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by their father.
3. How did the first trial go?
The first trial resulted in hung juries for both brothers, with each jury unable to reach a unanimous decision on whether the brothers were guilty of manslaughter or murder.
4. What happened in the second trial?
In the second trial, the judge restricted the abuse allegations, and prosecutors argued that the abuse claims were lies. The brothers were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
5. What new evidence has been presented to potentially overturn the convictions?
New evidence includes a letter written by Erik Menendez to his cousin in 1988, detailing continued sexual abuse by their father, and an affidavit from a former member of the boy band Menudo alleging similar abuse by Jos Menendez.
6. Who is advocating for the Menendez brothers?
Kim Kardashian has publicly advocated for reconsidering the life sentences of the Menendez brothers, citing the complexity of the case and potential miscarriages of justice.
7. What is the current status of their case?
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office is currently reviewing the new evidence and considering potential resentencing or a new trial. A hearing is set for November 26.
8. How long have the Menendez brothers been in prison?
Lyle and Erik Menendez have spent nearly 35 years in prison for the murder of their parents.
9. What were the brothers' claims during their trials?
The brothers claimed they killed their parents in self-defense due to years of abuse, which they argued was not adequately considered in the second trial.
10. How have the brothers' lawyers argued their case?
Their lawyers argue that the brothers should have been convicted of manslaughter instead of first-degree murder, given the evidence of prolonged abuse and fear for their lives.
11. What is the hope for the Menendez brothers?
The hope is that the new evidence will be deemed credible and persuasive, leading to the vacating of their convictions and potentially allowing for a new trial or reduced sentences.