By now, you have most likely heard about the infamous Menendez 
brothers case from the late 80s and early 90s, whether you tuned in to the trial during that time or have just learned about it upon its recent spike in the media once again. Lyle and Erik Menendez were arrested in 1990 for the murders of their parents in their family home in Beverly Hills, California. Both Erik and Lyle Menendez were found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, despite their claims in court that they were victims of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse from their parents, which prompted them to follow through with the gruesome double-homicide. This court case was televised for all of the world to see, with tons of family members, coaches, teachers, and other people who knew the brothers testifying that they witnessed some of this abuse in one way or another. With all of this support, Erik and Lyle Menendez did not win this case and are said to be in prison for the rest of their lives.
So why was there a sudden upsurge in this case after 35 years? For one, the new Netflix series Monsters recently dropped, which is supposed to be a representation of the events leading to the murder itself and the trials the Menendez brothers underwent. Ryan Murphy directed this show to portray the different perspectives of what the absolute truth could have been in this case. Since its release in mid-September, the show has reached over 19.5 million views, with people worldwide tuning in to learn more about this case. Additionally, a new documentary has surfaced that is meant to give a better, more accurate depiction of what went on with this case, something that the media has argued that Monsters failed to do.
To give Erik and Lyle Menendez even more fame, new evidence has come out that further proves that they were being sexually abused by their father months before the homicide. According to ABC News, a letter Erik Menendez wrote to his cousin Andy Cano six months before the murders was found in storage that contained proof that sexual abuse was occurring. It is now being discussed whether or not the Menendez brothers will face a resentencing considering this new evidence. The LA district attorney, George Gascon, will make this ultimate decision and have his team analyze this new evidence. On October 24th, 2024, Gascon said he would recommend a resentencing. This looks promising for Erik and Lyle, as more sympathy is being built for them. Many believe they have served their time and should be eligible to live freely now. According to Entertainment Weekly, Kim Kardashian has also shared her advocacy for the Menendez brothers by visiting them, supporting them, and claiming they deserve to be released.
So what do you think? Do you think Erik and Lyle Menendez deserve to be released from prison? Have they served their time? Do you think this new evidence looks hopeful for them?
