Will Mercy Lead to Their Release? – Hollywood Life

Lyle And Erik Menendez it could be chance of freedom Brothers, 35 years after the highly publicized events of August 20, 1989, then 21 and 18, fatally shot his parents in the family Beverly Hills mansion.

Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon On Wednesday, he filed a motion supporting the Menendez brothers’ request for a pardon from the Governor. Gavin Newsom. “I strongly support the pardon of Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are currently serving life sentences without the possibility of parole. They served 34 years and continued their education while working to create programs that support the rehabilitation of their fellow inmates,” Gascón said in a statement.

Here’s what mercy entails and what might happen next.

What is Mercy?

Clemency is a legal power that allows a government official, usually a governor or president, to reduce the severity of a sentence or allow a criminal sentence to be commuted. This may include:

1. Forgive: Pardon for a crime that can restore rights lost due to conviction.
2. commutation: Reducing the sentence, often shortening the prison term without overturning the conviction.
3. Suspension: Temporary suspension of sentence, often used in death penalty cases.

What are the Next Steps in the Amnesty Process?

A hearing on the matter could be held in 30 to 45 days, at which point a Los Angeles Superior Court judge will decide whether the brothers will be resentenced.

Previously, District Attorney Gascón had announced plans to seek resentencing for the brothers, possibly on charges of involuntary manslaughter; this could result in their immediate release if the judge agreed. A court date has been set for Dec. 11 to consider Gascón’s motion to commute the sentences. But the clemency petition filed this week by the brothers’ lawyer would bypass the resentencing process that Gascón initiated.

What Are the Potential Effects on Sentences of Mercy?

Gascón has stated that he supports sentencing the brothers to life in prison with the possibility of parole, which usually carries a sentence of 50 years to life in prison. But because the crimes occurred when the brothers were under 26, they would be eligible for juvenile parole under California law.

Describing the brothers as “model prisoners,” Gascón told CNN he believes there is a strong chance they will be granted parole if the case reaches the parole board. An attorney for one of the brothers expressed hope they could be home for Thanksgiving.

What Led to the Reexamination of Their Case?

Gascón’s review of the case was prompted by a habeas corpus petition filed in 2023 by the Menendez brothers’ lawyers, citing what they believed to be new evidence and a new California law that allows the court to consider sentences in similar cases when resentencing.

New evidence cited in the 2023 petition includes an affidavit from a former Menudo member Roy RosselloClaiming that she was sexually assaulted by her siblings’ father José MenendezIn the 1980s. Additionally, the lawyers said Erik wrote to his cousin a few months before the murders and abuse victim.

In his motion, Gascón drew attention to the rehabilitation efforts of the brothers while they were in prison and emphasized that they had no expectation of release during this period. The brothers have participated in victim impact programs, workshops, and various events, and have also created numerous initiatives to help those in need in their community.

“Erik and Lyle Menendez have both been recognized for their work ethic, professionalism and significant contributions to the betterment of their communities,” the application said.