US EditionJudge Orders LA Prosecutors to Explain Why Menendez Brothers' Conviction Shouldn't Be Re-Examined
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, JUL 8 – New evidence including a letter and affidavit alleging sexual abuse by the Menendez brothers' father has led a judge to order a review of their convictions after 35 years in prison.
- On July 7, 2025, a Los Angeles judge ordered prosecutors to justify why the Menendez brothers' 1996 murder convictions should remain unchanged.
- This order followed a habeas corpus petition filed in May 2023, citing new evidence supporting the brothers' claims of long-term sexual abuse by their father.
- In their second trial during the 1990s, much evidence, including family members' accounts of abuse, was ruled inadmissible, leading to both brothers being found guilty and receiving life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
- The new evidence includes a 1988 letter from Erik detailing abuse and an affidavit from ex-Menudo member Roy Rossello who claimed abuse by Jose Menendez.
- If the judge grants relief after prosecutors respond within 30 days, outcomes could include reduced sentences, retrial, or release, with parole eligibility established by a resentencing in May 2023.
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71 Articles
Menendez ruling a 'huge win' in freedom bid: Brothers' attorney
(NewsNation) — The Menendez brothers' attorney said her clients scored a "huge win" Monday when a California judge ordered the Los Angeles County district attorney to explain why crucial evidence in their case relating to alleged sexual abuse was withheld from the jury. Los Angeles D.A. Nathan Hochman "talks about ultimate justice, and ultimate justice in this case would be a manslaughter plea," Alexandra Kazarian said on "Banfield." Judge Willi…
Judge orders review of Menendez brothers conviction
LOS ANGELES -- A judge has ordered Los Angeles prosecutors to explain why Erik and Lyle Menendez's murder convictions should not be re-examined in light of new evidence supporting their claims of sexual abuse by their father.
Associated Press News
Judge orders LA prosecutors to explain why Menendez brothers' conviction shouldn't be re-examined
A judge has ordered Los Angeles prosecutors to explain why the Menendez brothers’ murder convictions should not be re-examined in light of new evidence supporting their claims of sexual abuse by their father.
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