Los Angeles

Los Angeles prosecutors are taking a fresh look at the case of Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were sentenced to life in prison in 1996 for killing their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion, according to the latest reports. 

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District Attorney George Gascón announced on Thursday that new evidence has come to light which could impact their sentencing. His office will be reviewing new evidence and will decide on whether a resentencing is warranted in the notorious case that captured national attention.

Erik and Lyle admitted to killing their parents José and Kitty Menendez in 1989. The brothers have always claimed they acted in self-defence after suffering years of abuse. They said their father sexually, physically and emotionally abused them, which pushed them to kill him and their mother. However, prosecutors at the time argued that the murders were done for greed, claiming the brothers wanted to inherit their parents' fortune.

Now, new evidence in the form of a letter from Erik Menendez has been presented, supporting claims of sexual abuse by their father. Gascón said his office will carefully review this evidence to decide if the brothers should be resentenced.

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Attorney Cliff Gardner, who represents the brothers, says he is hopeful of the new update in the case. "Given today’s very different understanding of how sexual and physical abuse impacts children — both boys and girls — and the remarkable new evidence, we think resentencing is the appropriate result. The brothers have served more than 30 years in prison. That is enough," he said.

The Menendez brothers’ family members, including their aunt, Joan VanderMolen, also support their release. Lawyer Bryan Freedman stated, “She wishes nothing more than for them to be released.”

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The case has garnered renewed attention after the release of Ryan Murphy's Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Kim Kardashian, who recently met the Menendez brothers in prison, is also rallying for their release, stating that the two didn't get a fair trial. 

In an essay published on NBC News, Kardashian said, "I have spent time with Lyle and Erik; they are not monsters." Check out the full story here!

(With inputs from agency)