Title: California Governor Requests Comprehensive Risk Assessment for Menendez Brothers
California Governor Gavin Newsom has directed the parole board to conduct a thorough risk assessment investigation for Lyle and Erik Menendez, who are currently serving life sentences for the murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty, with a shotgun. Attorneys Mark Geragos and Cliff Gardner shared in a statement obtained by PEOPLE on Wednesday, Feb. 26, that the Governor’s decision to initiate this comprehensive review has been met with gratitude by the Menendez family members who have been advocating for the brothers’ potential release.
The family acknowledges that this initial step by the Governor does not guarantee a sentence commutation for Erik and Lyle. Instead, it signifies Newsom’s commitment to gathering essential information to make an informed decision about whether the Menendez brothers, after spending 35 years in prison, have undertaken the necessary steps for a possible life outside of confinement. Newsom elaborated on this plan in his personal podcast, emphasizing the inquiry into whether the Menendez brothers currently pose an unreasonable risk to public safety.
The risk assessment inquiry will involve the evaluation of experts in public safety and forensic psychologists. Newsom highlighted that while the review process does not guarantee a specific outcome, it aims to enhance transparency and ensure thorough evaluation before any clemency decisions are made. Erik and Lyle’s legal team had previously requested clemency from the Governor in October 2024, with support from former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón. Newsom had deferred a decision on clemency until the newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman reviewed the case.
Currently, the Menendez brothers are awaiting Hochman’s decision on a resentencing motion filed by Gascón in October. The resentencing hearing is scheduled to commence on March 20. Hochman announced on Feb. 21 that he would oppose a habeas corpus petition filed by the brothers in 2023, challenging their claims of acting out of fear due to alleged sexual abuse by their father. The petition highlighted allegations of sexual abuse by Roy Rosselló against Jose and a letter purportedly written by Erik detailing his father’s alleged misconduct prior to the tragic events of 1989.
Prosecutors who drafted the motion recommending resentencing for the Menendez brothers are claiming retaliation and discrimination. Hochman raised concerns about the authenticity of the letter and contended that the Menendez brothers were unaware of Rosselló’s allegations in 1989. “It would not meet the standard for admissibility,” he stated at a press briefing. “They only became aware of this more than 30 years later, after the tragic events took place.” Lyle was 21 and Erik was 18 when they used 12-gauge shotguns to kill their parents in their residence in Beverly Hills, California, on August 20, 1989. During their trial, prosecutors argued that the brothers murdered their parents due to greed, pointing to their extravagant spending spree following the murders. In 1996, the siblings were found guilty of first-degree murder and were handed down life sentences in prison without the chance of parole. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Check out the original article on People for more details.
