Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault, which some readers may find upsetting.

The Los Angeles District Attorney recommended that Erik and Lyle Menendez be sentenced by a judge.

It comes after the release of the latest one monsters Netflix true crime documentary earlier this year raised awareness the Menendez brothers“case and “new evidence” that has come to light.

The pair were found guilty of murdering their parents Kitty and Jose Menendez in 1989 and both were sentenced to life in prison, however, potential new evidence coming to light would support allegations of abuse the siblings say they suffered from their. parents and led to calls for their convictions to be reconsidered.

Erik, 53, and Lyle, 56, are currently serving life sentences without the possibility of parole in California after being convicted of first degree murder in 1996.

New evidence could see the Menendez brothers freed

Last year, a letter Erik wrote in December 1988 came to light. Addressed to his cousin, the letter detailed the alleged abuse Erik suffered at the hands of his father.

The letter says: “I tried to avoid dad. It still happens Andy, but now it’s worse for me. I never know when it will happen and it drives me crazy. Every night I think he might come in. “

The Menendez brothers filed a motion in May 2023 with the new evidence, asking that their convictions be overturned.

The Menendez brothers were sentenced to life in prison (Ronald L. Soble/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

During a press conference yesterday (October 24), Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón said: “This is a case where we’ve had a lot of people in this office spend a lot of time looking at this case.

“I think the brother was subjected to a tremendous amount of dysfunction in the home and molestation.”

He later recommended that the pair be sentenced by a judge and released on parole.

Although he did not accept the murders, Gascón decided, “I think they have paid their debt to society.”

Even if it is approved by a judge and the brothers’ release approved by a parole board, California Gov. Gavin Newsom could still reject it.

Gascón also turned his attention more broadly to all victims of abuse, urging victims to “come for help,” regardless of whether they are “male or female” and whether they are “ready to pursue or not.”

New evidence in the Menendez brothers’ case emerged last year (Ted Soqui/Sygma via Getty Images)

He urged, “You don’t have to suffer this much alone. Help is here unconditionally.”

Gascón’s office also released a statement reflecting on changes in society and attitudes toward cases of sexual abuse of men since the 1990s, when the Menendez brothers claim it occurred.

“Our office has developed a more modern understanding of sexual violence since the Menendez brothers were first charged. Today, our office recognizes that sexual violence is a pervasive problem that affects countless people – of all gender identities – and we are committed to supporting all victims as they navigate the profound impact of such trauma.”

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, you can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673), available 24/7. Or you can chat online via online.rainn.org