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17th October 2024
11:31am BST
Relatives of the Menendez brothers are now appealing for their release, citing new evidence that could lead to a fresh trial or their freedom.
Los Angeles District Attorney, George Gascon recently confirmed that his office is reviewing newly uncovered information, which may impact the Menendez brothers' case.
Both men have always maintained that they killed their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion as a result of years of sexual abuse inflicted by their father, Jose Menendez.
At a recent press conference, Terry Baralt, the 85-year-old sister of Jose Menendez, made an emotional plea for the brothers' release.
Speaking through her daughter, Anamaria Baralt, Terry urged the district attorney's office to end what she described as a "prolonged suffering" for the family.
"We ask the DA to return Lyle and Erik to us"
The brothers were convicted of shooting and killing their parents and have been in prison in the US without the possibility of parole for over three decades.
However, the Baralt family and other relatives have been rallying behind them, saying that their understanding of the abuse the brothers suffered has evolved over the years.
They believe the justice system now recognises how prolonged sexual trauma could drive a person to commit violent acts.
Following the press conference - which was attended by approximately 20 family members - the group went on to meet with prosecutors, reiterating their belief that the brothers deserve a new trial or release.
The new evidence being examined by Gascon's office includes a letter allegedly written by Erik Menendez eight months before the murders, in which he explains the abuse they suffered.
Additionally, investigators are looking into allegations made by a former member of the 1980s pop group, Menudo. They claim that Jose Menendez, a music industry executive, also abused him.
These accusations were highlighted in the 2023 documentary series, Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed.
During the widely publicised 1996 trial, the Menendez brothers testified that they had suffered years of sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of their parents.
Prosecutors, however, argued that the brothers were motivated by greed, seeking to inherit their parents' wealth.
District Attorney, Gascon has not made an official statement about the outcome of the investigation into the new evidence.
The case continues to attract public attention as questions about the brothers’ real motives and their claims of abuse continue.
