Menendez Brothers’ Sentences Should Be Reduced, D.A. Says
variety.comErik Menendez, the brothers who murdered their parents, Jose and Kitty, in 1989. Gascón’s office will ask a Los Angeles judge to lower their sentences from life without the possibility of parole to 50 years to life.
If approved, the Menendez brothers would be eligible for parole immediately. At a press conference, Gascón said he had come to his decision after “careful review.” “I came to a place, where I believe under the law resentencing is appropriate,” he said, noting they had taken steps to rehabilitate themselves in prison. “They have been in prison for nearly 35 years.
I believe that they have paid their debt to society.” Anamaria Baralt, a cousin of the brothers, said at the press conference that she is “grateful” for Gascón’s leadership, and that the family is hopeful that the brothers get “the justice they deserve and finally come home.” A judge must still sign off on the D.A.’s request, though the D.A.’s position will get considerable weight.
If the lower sentence is approved, the Menendez brothers would then have to go before the state Board of Parole Hearings to determine whether they are suitable for release.
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