Picture courtesy of ABC News

 

The Menendez brothers faced a major setback in their bid for freedom after a judge refused their petition for a new trial on Tuesday. Erik and Lyle Menendez submitted a habeas corpus petition in 2023 based on new evidence, aiming to overturn their convictions and win a new trial.

 

The petition highlighted two new pieces of evidence. Firstly, Roy Rossello, an ex-member of the band Menudo, alleged that Jose Menendez sexually assaulted him, as detailed in the 2023 docuseries "Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed." Secondly, a letter written by Erik Menendez to his cousin eight months before the murders, describing alleged abuse, which surfaced years after the trial.

 

Despite these submissions, Judge William Ryan ruled against the motion, observing that the evidence lacked strength. He noted that Andy Cano's letter, who is Erik's cousin, both conflicted with previous testimony and did not sufficiently support the brothers' claim of fear at the time of the killings. Similarly, the judge found Rossello's testimony irrelevant to the brothers' mindsets when the murders occurred.

 

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman opposed the petition, stating it didn't meet the necessary criteria for a new trial. He asserted that prior convictions, confirmed by multiple courts, stood firm as the new evidence didn't alter the fundamental case arguments. Hochman criticised the petition as a desperate attempt to undermine established convictions.

 

With the brothers recently denied parole, their chances of release diminish, although they will still be eligible for parole after serving 50 years to life in prison. California Governor Gavin Newsom can grant clemency, which represents another potential avenue for release. However, they can reapply for parole in three years, which could be shortened with excellent conduct.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• New evidence was not deemed strong enough to justify a retrial for the Menendez brothers.
• The Los Angeles County DA opposed the petition, maintaining convictions are solid.
• Parole is possible in three years, or clemency could be an option from the governor.

 

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They can rot in jail.

On 9/17/2025 at 6:35 AM, webfact said:

2023 docuseries "Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed

I used to think that these kind of shows were of some value .... in fact they are not.  They always seek to persuade one to doubt the guilt because of this or that but never divulge all of the evidence that was used to convict.

I hope they never get out.

The "sexual abuse" excuse by the father was drummed up by their female lawyer, there was zero evidence that ever happened, and why not just leave instead of massacring both parents? Then going on a big spending spree after they killed them. They are where they deserve to be.