After 34 years in prison, the Menendez brothers have filed an official application for clemency, with support from prosecutor George Gascon. Gascon feels that the case surrounding Lyle and Erik Menendez should be revisited and says that their good behavior in prison "might warrant a return to society." But just how likely is that?
Last Monday, the attorneys for the Menendez brothers, Mark Geragos and Cliff Gardener, filed an application for leniency filed. With this, Geragos hopes that the brothers will already end of November may be released at large. Los Angeles County prosecutor Gascon previously let it be known that he considers a new sentence for the brothers "appropriate" and supports the request. "They have been incarcerated for 34 years, continued their education and worked on programs that help reintegrate fellow inmates."
California Governor Gavin Newsom will have to review the case and ultimately determine whether Erik and Lyle Menendez are eligible for early release. In a statement, his office announced that clemency applications are confidential and they cannot discuss individual cases.
'More awareness for sexual abuse'
If Newsom grants clemency, the brothers could possibly be released before their hearing on Dec. 11, or their sentences will be adjusted. Under California law, they are already eligible for parole because they were younger than 26 at the time of their crime.
According to attorney Jordi L'Homme, it is difficult to say how likely it is that the brothers will eventually be released. "But we do live in a different zeitgeist, where there is now much more awareness of sexual abuse among men, especially in America," L'Homme said in conversation with Heart of Holland.
In addition, pressure from society also plays a role. On social media like X and TikTok, people have been calling for the brothers' release for months. "The sentiment at play right now is that the boys should be released," L'Homme explained. "Many people feel they were wrongfully sentenced to life in prison. It may be a consideration of the prosecution to include this in the trial."
According to L'Homme, any return to society could be tough for the brothers, especially given their notoriety. Still, according to him, the brothers seem to have a lot of resilience. "They have a lot of support from each other. A social network is important when you return to society after being stuck for so long. It's good that they have each other."
