The California prosecutor tasked with deciding whether to recommend resentencing for the Menendez brothers said on Monday that the pair do not pose a danger to the public.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón told People that he plans to decide on Erik and Lyle Menendez’s resentencing at the end of the week after consulting with the office’s habeas and resentencing units. He said he is reviewing whether the brothers are rehabilitated after 35 years behind bars.
READ: Prosecutor to Review Sexual Abuse Claims in Menendez Brothers Case
“Based on everything that I know, I don’t believe that they are [a threat to society],” Gascón told People. “Quite frankly, they probably haven’t been for a very long time, if they ever were. I think this is not like they were going around killing people or robbing people on the street.”
Evidence of Erik and Lyle Menendez’s father molesting them was presented at their first trial — which ended with a hung jury. However, those details were not as prominent during the second trial which resulted in their convictions.
Earlier this month, Gascón said his office would review the sexual abuse allegations.
In 1989, Erik and Lyle Menendez purchased two shotguns with cash and used them to kill their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, at their Beverly Hills home. Investigators originally suspected the mafia was behind the slayings. However, a break in the case occurred in 1990 when Erik Menendez, then 18, confessed to a therapist.
At the time, prosecutors claimed the brothers wanted access to their inheritance. However, Gascón said he has a photocopy of a letter, penned by Erik Menendez, which also corroborates claims of sexual abuse.
Gascón also said he is aware of claims made by Roy Rosello, an ex-member of the boy band Menudo. Rosello said Jose Menendez sexually abused him while a producer at RCA Records.
This week, the prosecutor revealed to People that he believed Erik and Lyle Menendez were molested by their father.
“There are some people in my office that believe that there is no evidence of molestation. I don’t agree with that, but that’s certainly the position that some people have taken, and they believe that they should stay in prison the rest of their life,” he said.
The Menendez brothers are currently serving a life sentence. People reported that Gascón can issue a recommendation regarding their sentences, but a judge will make the final decision.
A court hearing in this case is scheduled for November 29. However, it is unclear whether Gascón’s upcoming decision could change this court date.
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[Feature Photo: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation]]
