California Gov. Newsom Takes First Step Toward Possible Menendez Brothers Release
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES: This 1992 file photo shows double murder defendants Erik (R) and Lyle Menendez (L) during a court appearance in Los Angeles, Ca. The Menendez brothers have been found guilty of first degree murder 20 March in their second trial for the killing of their parents. AFP PHOTO Mike NELSON/mn (Photo credit should read MIKE NELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
The Menendez Brothers might still be on a path to freedom. California Governor Gavin Newsom has informed the brothers’ attorney that he has ordered the parole board to launch a “comprehensive risk assessment” investigation to determine whether, if released, they pose “an unreasonable risk to the public.” This is the first step towards possibly releasing the brothers.
“The Governor’s primary consideration when evaluating commutation applications is public safety, which includes the applicant’s current risk level, the impact of a commutation on victims and survivors, the applicant’s self-development and conduct since the offense, and if the applicant has made use of available rehabilitative programs, addressed treatment needs, and mitigated risk factors for reoffending,” Newsom’s office said in a letter to attorney Mark Geragos. “The Governor’s Office will make the findings of the Board’s risk assessment investigation available to the court and the District Attorney.”
Newsom’s letter comes after the new Los Angeles County District Attorney announced he’d asked the court to deny the brothers’ habeas corpus petition filed in 2023, which includes two new pieces of evidence not presented at the brother’s trial. The brothers, who are serving life in prison without the possibility of parole, submitted a request for clemency to Governor Newsom.
The case of the Menendez Brothers has been back in the spotlight since the Netflix release of two different projects featuring their story. Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which presents a fictionalized look at their case, and The Menendez Brothers, a documentary that consists of interviews with people close to the case, including the brothers themselves.
Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of killing their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. The brothers never denied the murders, but said they acted in self-defense after enduring years of physical and sexual abuse by their father.