Is the Menendez Case Reopened? Update on Erik and Lyle – Hollywood Life

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Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has brought new attention to Eric Menendez and Lyle Menendezthe case. His brothers have been in prison since 1996 for killing their parents, Jose Menendez and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendezwhich Lyle and Erik are accused of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Now that a new generation sees the story through a new lens, can the brothers’ case be reopened? Hollywood Life have compiled all the details and updates about the arrests, below.

Why Did Lyle and Erik Menendez Kill Jose and Kitty?

In August 1989, Lyle and Erik shot their parents multiple times. The crime scene was gruesome as José was attacked six times and Kitty was shot 10 times. The siblings were criticized for living lavishly in the months following their parents’ deaths. Erik finally confesses the murder to a therapist, Jerome Ozielwho trusts his wife, Judalon Smyth. He told the police about Lyle and Erik’s involvement in the crime, and they were arrested in 1990.

After a mistrial, Lyle and Erik were officially convicted on two counts of murder and conspiracy to murder in 1996. They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Are the Menendez Brothers Still Alive?

Lyle and Erik are sent to separate California prisons after being convinced. Both are still alive today and will talk about the case in an upcoming Netflix documentary, Brother Menendezwhich premiered on October 7, 2024.

Are Lyle and Erik Menendez in the same prison?

The brothers were held in separate prisons until 2018 when Lyle was transferred to the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility. Although initially housed in separate prison units, Lyle and Erik were placed in the same unit in 2018. This is the first time the brothers have been reunited in 22 years. According to multiple outlets, Lyle and Erik were unable to talk on the phone before they reunited.

Is the Menendez Case Reopened?

Per The Hollywood ReporterLyle and Erik were able to receive new sentences because of their habeas corpus petitions. Although he had previously appealed his conviction, his dead father was recently accused of sexual misconduct by a member of the band Menudo. In addition, new evidence has been discovered that can prove that José abused his two sons.

In October 2024, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón confirmed that a new trial had been set for Lyle and Erik. Per varietya hearing is scheduled for November 29, 2024.

“We have been presented with evidence,” George said during a press conference, according to the outlet. “We have been given a photocopy of a letter allegedly sent by one of the brothers to another family member talking about him being a victim of molestation. We have also obtained evidence provided by the defense, by his lawyer, that one of the members of the Menudo band admitted that he was molested by his father.

However, George noted that “none” of the evidence submitted has been “confirmed.”

“Now we are not ready to say whether we believe or not believe the information, but here we will tell you that we have a moral and ethical obligation to examine what is given to us and make a determination based on the resentment side, whether they deserve to be resentenced – even though they clearly killed – because they have been in prison for years and they have paid their dues to society,” he continued in his statement. “If there was evidence that wasn’t presented to the court at the time, and if that evidence had been presented, maybe the jury would have come to a different conclusion.”

The court hearing opened the possibility of a retrial or resentencing for Erik and Lyle.

What Did the Menendez Brothers Say About the ‘Monster’?

Soon after Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story released on Netflix, Erik released a statement condemning the series for portraying him and his brother.

“I believe we have moved beyond the lies and ruinous character portrayals of Lyle, creating a caricature of Lyle rooted in horrible and blatant lies rampant in the picture,” Erik noted. “I just believe that he did it on purpose. With a heavy heart, I believe that Ryan Murphy could not be naive and inaccurate about the reality of life to do this without bad intentions.

In response to Erik and his family’s criticism of the show, Giants author of the anthology Ryan Murphy slammed him for “playing the victim card.”

“The Menéndez brothers had to send me flowers,” Ryan said THR in September 2024. “He has not had much attention for 30 years. And he has received attention not only in this country, but in the whole world. There is a kind of outpouring of interest in his life and in the case. … I know for a fact that many people have offered to help him because interest in my show and what we do,”

Ryan also pointed out that with Giantshe tells “a story that’s a very broad canvas,” points out defense attorneys Lyle and Erik, Leslie Abramsonwriter Dominick Dunne and José and Kitty’s background.

“We also tell the story of the parents, who blew their heads off,” added Ryan. “We have an obligation to many people, not just to Erik and Lyle. But what I find so appealing; that they are playing the victim card now – ‘poor, pity us’ – that I think is rude and disgusting.

If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, call National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). Trained staff members will provide confidential, non-judgmental support, as well as local resources to help with healing, recovery and more.