Los Angeles DA George Gascón reveals new evidence in Menendez Brothers' case

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has disclosed new evidence in the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the brothers convicted of killing their parents in 1989. One key piece is a handwritten letter from Erik Menendez to his cousin Andy Cano, in which Erik details abuse by his father, José Menendez, months before the murders. This letter was discovered by Cano's mother nine years ago, and Cano had testified during the original trial about Erik’s claims of abuse when they were teenagers. Cano passed away in 2003.

A second piece of evidence comes from Roy Rosselló, a former member of the band Menudo, who alleges that José Menendez sexually assaulted him as a teenager. Rosselló's statement is now part of the review, which could potentially lead to a new hearing or resentencing for the Menendez brothers.

The Menendez brothers, who were sentenced to life in prison in 1996, have long claimed they acted out of fear for their lives after years of sexual abuse. Despite multiple appeals, this new evidence could reignite hopes for a retrial. Interest in their case has surged following Netflix’s release of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and an upcoming documentary that will further explore their side of the story.

The brothers are scheduled for a court hearing on November 29, 2024, as Gascón’s office considers their case for review.