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Lyle<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Erik Menendez<\/strong><\/a> may have a chance at freedom<\/a> 35 years after the highly publicized events of August 20, 1989, when the brothers, then 21 and 18<\/a>, fatally shot their parents<\/a> in the family\u2019s Beverly Hills mansion<\/a>.<\/p>\n Los Angeles District Attorney George Gasc\u00f3n<\/strong> filed a motion on Wednesday supporting the Menendez brothers\u2019 request for clemency from Governor Gavin Newsom<\/strong>. In a statement, Gasc\u00f3n expressed, \u201cI strongly support clemency for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are currently serving life sentences without the possibility of parole. They have served 34 years and have continued their education while working to create programs that support the rehabilitation of fellow inmates.\u201d<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what clemency entails and what could happen next.<\/p>\n Clemency is a legal power that allows a government official, typically a governor or the president, to reduce the severity of a punishment or grant relief from a criminal sentence. This can include:<\/p>\n A hearing on the matter could take place in 30 to 45 days, at which point a Los Angeles Superior Court judge will determine whether the brothers will be resentenced.<\/p>\n Previously, District Attorney Gasc\u00f3n announced plans to request a resentencing for the brothers, potentially for manslaughter, which could result in their immediate release if the judge agrees. A court date is set for December 11 to discuss Gasc\u00f3n\u2019s proposal to alter their sentences. However, the clemency petition filed by the brothers\u2019 attorney this week would bypass the resentencing process initiated by Gasc\u00f3n.<\/p>\n Gasc\u00f3n stated that he supports resentencing the brothers to life with the possibility of parole, which typically entails a sentence of 50 years to life in prison. However, since the crimes occurred when the brothers were under 26, they would qualify for youthful parole under California law.<\/p>\n Describing the brothers as \u201cmodel prisoners,\u201d Gasc\u00f3n told CNN that he believes there is a strong likelihood they would be granted parole if the case reaches the parole board. An attorney for one of the brothers expressed hope that they could be home in time for Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n Gasc\u00f3n\u2019s review of the case was prompted by a habeas corpus petition filed by the Menendez brothers\u2019 attorneys in 2023, which cites what they believe to be new evidence and a recent California law that allows the court to consider sentences in similar cases during resentencing.<\/p>\n Among the new evidence cited in the 2023 petition is a sworn statement from former Menudo member Roy Rossell\u00f3<\/strong>, who alleged that he was sexually assaulted by the brothers\u2019 father, Jose Menendez<\/strong><\/a>, in the 1980s. Additionally, the attorneys pointed to a letter Erik wrote to a cousin just months before the killings, indicating that he was a victim of abuse<\/a>.<\/p>\n In his motion, Gasc\u00f3n highlighted the brothers\u2019 rehabilitation efforts while in prison, emphasizing that they had no expectation of release during that time. The brothers have participated in victim impact programs, workshops, and various events, as well as created multiple initiatives to help those in need within their community.<\/p>\n \u201cBoth Erik and Lyle Menendez have been recognized for their work ethic, professionalism, and significant contributions to the betterment of their community,\u201d the filing stated.<\/p>\n \n\t\t<\/div>\nWhat Is Clemency?<\/h2>\n
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What Are the Next Steps in the Clemency Process?<\/h2>\n
What Are the Potential Effects of Clemency on Their Sentences?<\/h2>\n
What Led to the Reexamination of Their Case?<\/h2>\n