Studying Time: 3 minutes
As not too long ago as October, it seemed like Erik and Lyle Menendez would soon be released from prison.
Actually, high-profile jail reform advocates like Kim Kardashian had already began celebrating the information.
However the brothers’ fortunes modified when newly elected California DA Nathan Hochman revealed that he had no intention of granting the Menendezes a brand new trial.
Now, nonetheless, it appears to be like as if Erik and Lyle as soon as once more have purpose to be hopeful. Actually, they may wind up getting launched with out a resentencing listening to.
Governor Gavin Newsom enters the fray
In accordance with a brand new report from TMZ, California Governor Gavin Newsom has requested the Parole Board to conduct a “threat evaluation investigation” of the Menendez brothers.
That is primarily a parole listening to performed with the intent of figuring out if the brothers pose an unreasonable threat to public security.
Provided that they have been locked up 35 years in the past and have reportedly been mannequin prisoners for the whole thing of that point, this may most likely work out in Erik and Lyle’s favor.
It’s a daring transfer from Newsom, who is actually overriding Hochman’s determination on the matter.
Hochman expresses doubts about new proof
The push for a brand new trial is the results of each renewed public curiosity within the case — prompted, partly, by Ryan Murphy’s latest Netflix restricted sequence about Erik and Lyle — and new proof suggesting that the brothers have been molested by their father.
Probably the most compelling new growth is the emergence of a letter written in 1988 that appears to incriminate Jose Menendez, who — together with spouse Kitty — was gunned down by his sons the next yr.
However Hochman says he doubts the authenticity of the letter.
“[The letter was] by no means mentioned in any of the 2 trials,” Hochman stated.
“We consider it’s inconceivable … and defies widespread sense, that if they’d proof that will present that sexual abuse had been communicated not simply six years earlier than the occasions, however 9 months earlier than the 1989 killings, then it might have completely come out.”
Newsom has already acquired a clemency petition for Erik and Lyle. So if the parole board decides the brothers have been rehabilitated and pose no hazard to the general public, then their destiny will relaxation in his fingers.
A gaggle of Menendez family who’ve been advocating for the brothers’ launch have delayed their press convention that had been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
The group is rumored to be waiting to receive some good news earlier than they handle the general public — and it feels like they’ll most likely get it.
We’ll preserve you up to date on this growing story as new data turns into out there.
