Why the Verdict in the Menendez Case Came Faster Than Expected: Burning Questions Answered

a decision about Plum And Lyle Menendez‘s murder trial came earlier than expected for several reasons.

After re-interviewing 53-year-old Erik and Lyle’s case coming to the fore after 25 years, the Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon announced on October 4 A hearing was held on new evidence. Gascón said at a press conference that a decision would be made on Tuesday, November 26, but has since clarified that he could make the request as soon as this week. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office later recommended reducing Erik and Lyle’s sentence.

The tagline ties in with Prosecutor Gascón up for re-election as Los Angeles residents cast their ballots in November. However, the long breakdown of Erik and Lyle’s resentencing request (which has also been in the works for years) relies on many different elements of the legal system.

Erik and Lyle’s murder case has played out in public for more than three decades since their parents’ murder. José And Kitty MenendezHe was found dead in 1989 and attracted renewed public attention. Thanks to Netflix’s limited series monsters and documentary Menéndez Brothers. The brothers were both arrested in 1990 on two counts of first-degree murder. The next two trials resulted in the convictions of Erik and Lyle and sentences of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Meanwhile, 56-year-old Erik and Lyle say that their parents physically, emotionally and sexually abused them. The actions were for self-defense.

Complete Timeline of Erik and Lyle Menendez Murder Trial: From Arrest to Resentencing Request

The brothers’ legal team objections continued since they were convicted. Their latest request is in 2023, after the conviction of their lawyers. Mark Geragos A retrial was requested in the case of the singer, citing new evidence Roy RosselloAllegations against José and newly discovered letter from Erik to his cousin Andy Cano describes her father’s alleged sexual abuse in the months before the murders.

“We had originally filed to have the conviction overturned. That’s what the writ of habeas corpus is. The other component of it is resentment. So there are two paths. You can pause the habeas while you consider the sentence. So that’s walking and chewing gum at the same time,” Geragos said privately Us Weekly earlier this month. “If habeas is granted, a new trial occurs. If they are resentenced, under California law the judge has the authority to vacate the sentence and sentence based on a wide range of options.”

Geragos, whose past celebrity clients include Winona Ryder, Kesha, Michael Jackson And Chris Brown, seemed optimistic about the outcome of the hearing. “I’m not going to talk about whether Erik and Lyle have a plan (in case they are released). I just think you have to restrain yourself to get through each day,” he added. “It’s a long way from living without parole for almost 17 years to being hopeful.”

Keep scrolling to see the answers to some of the biggest questions about why the prosecutor made an immediate plea regarding Erik and Lyle’s anger and what happens next:

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Why Was the Decision in Their Case Moved Up?

Gascón talked about his plan to submit his official recommendation sooner than expected. “As I said 10 days ago, I will decide within 10 days. I plan to decide by the end of this week,” he said at a press conference on October 22. week.”

Gascón is currently up for re-election Nathan Hochman as his rival. That means Gascón will know come November 5 whether he will remain in office or replace Hochman in the District Attorney’s Office. Advancing the decision on Menéndez case.

Accordingly DiversityDuring Gascón’s administration, 300 people were indicted, including 28 people convicted of first-degree murder and 28 people sentenced to life in prison without parole.

If Gascón is replaced, his decision could still be forwarded to a judge who would have to sign it. But the hearings could be postponed, and if they are postponed until December, Hochman will have the authority from the District Attorney’s Office to change his position.

The judge may then allow the request to be withdrawn, but in this case an appeal will also be an option. For Menéndez’s legal team. It will be the judge’s decision whether he will accept Hochman’s possible withdrawal or stand behind Gascón’s request. (Hochman did not publicly share his thoughts on the Menéndez case, but he did criticize Gascón’s handling of the case.)

What Were Erik and Lyle’s Options?

Gascón opted for re-sentencing rather than re-trial. In case of re-sentencing, the judge’s recommendation will be presented to the Parole Hearing Board. Erik and Lyle will either have to serve the remainder of the new sentence or may be eligible for parole. (Diversity In the governor’s reports he noted: Gavin Newsom Has the authority to approve or reject the Parole Board’s recommendation.)

Erik and Lyle Menendez Break Silence on Murder Case After More than 30 Years: The Biggest Bombshells

What Comes After the Gascon’s Request?

The judge would have to hold a status conference 30 days after Gascón requested a new sentence. Then both will be up to the judge. He was angry at Erik and Lyle that day. or select a later date for the hearing.

There is also a possibility that the judge may not agree with Gascón’s request. Although unlikely, the option to dismiss is also available because the judge found that Erik and Lyle pose “an unreasonable risk of danger to public safety.”

Gascón’s request will be evaluated by the judge, but it is up to the judge whether Erik and Lyle’s sentences will be reduced.

Could Erik and Lyle Menendez Be Released from Prison After ‘Monsters’? Review of the Objection Process

Can anyone object to the request?

Menéndez brothers support from most family membersincluding those related to the late Kitty and José. But Kitty’s brother Milton AndersonHe was outspoken in his opposition to the release of Erik and Lyle.

Marsy’s Law allows people in California the right to be informed and heard at hearings regarding their cases; this allows Milton to speak against a resentment. Diversity Milton’s lawyer noted: Kathleen CadyHe requested to be notified of the hearing dates and to be heard on the matter. Cady also requested a meeting with Gascón, but that doesn’t seem to have happened yet.