Los Angeles DA Pushes Extradition of Menendez Brothers with Short Timeline for Answer
Posted by Britta DeVore | Published
Erik and Lyle Menendez may be closer to being released from prison after spending nearly three decades behind bars for murdering their parents in their Beverly Hills home back in 1989. The two have none other than the District Attorney of Los Angeles County, George Gascón, to thank for the possible change since the DA is not only fighting for the men themselves, but now he has placed his hopes and support for their release in California Governor Gavin Newsom.
In the hands of Governor Gavin Newsom
The DA of Los Angeles forced the release of the Menendez brothers through a letter sent to Governor Newsom's office. In it, he wrote of his “strong support” behind two separate letters of condolence that Erik and Lyle Menendez's lawyers sent to the California leader's office a few days ago. For both men, George Gascón said “they have served 34 consecutive years and have continued their education and are working to create new programs to support the rehabilitation of other prisoners.”
So, why is Governor Newsom such an important player in how things will play out for the Menendez brothers and their possible release? According to the California state constitution, anyone holding the governor's office has unlimited power to grant pardons or commuted sentences.
This means that if the Governor decides that justice has been served and that time has been served, Erik and Lyle Menendez can be sent home or, at the very least, have their sentences reduced from life to death.
As of the time of this article's posting, Governor Newsom has not provided a clear response to the Los Angeles DA's request, but comments he made earlier this week may give us an indication of where the Governor of California sits on the Menendez brothers. possible release.
The Netflix series Helped the Brothers' Case
Noting a major role in Ryan Murphy's latest Netflix series, Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez played to bring back public attention to the case, Newsom said, “What matters is justice and fairness. Not treating them badly because they are celebrities, not treating them better because they are celebrities.”
The second season of Netflix and Murphy's Monsters franchise, Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez hit the streamer back in September with Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch starring as the brothers in the series.
Although not as popular with critics as the first season, which saw Evan Peters step into the role of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, the follow-up has certainly put the brothers' stories back under the microscope, with many calling for the immediate release of the Menendez brothers. in prison.
Almost 30 years behind bars
What we do know for sure is that on August 20, 1989, Erik and Lyle Menendez shot and killed their parents in the basement of their Beverly Hills mansion. After covering their tracks enough to avoid being caught, the pair would end up in what would become a highly publicized court case.
The legal team of the Menendez brothers relied heavily on the allegations that the two had been abused by their father, Jose Menendez, for years, hoping that the court would move and they would be released.
Now, almost 30 years after the conviction, the brothers have continued to live their lives in prison, and have formed many groups to help other men in prison. Both Menendez brothers are currently serving their sentences at the same San Diego facility where, if released, they will likely be released within days of their sentencing.
Source: Deadline
Source link
