Additional Coverage:
- Los Angeles County DA releases Menendez brothers letter cited as ‘new evidence’ that sparked review of case (foxnews.com)
Menendez Brothers Case Under Review
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon has revealed new evidence in the case of the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989. Gascon released a letter written by Erik Menendez to his cousin, alleging abuse by his father months before the killings.
Cano, who died in 2003, had testified that Erik Menendez disclosed the abuse at age 13. The letter states, “It’s still happening but it’s worse for me now.
I know what you said before but I’m afraid. You just don’t know dad like I do.”
Gascon also mentioned a statement by Roy Rosselló, a former member of the band Menudo, who alleges that Jose Menendez sexually assaulted him when he was a teenager.
The brothers have admitted to the killings but claim they feared for their lives due to repeated sexual assaults by their father. Prosecutors deny the allegations and maintain the murders were motivated by financial gain.
Gascon believes cultural norms regarding sexual assault have changed since the first trial in 1996, and that a jury today may view the case differently.
The brothers are serving life sentences and their attorney declined to comment on the letter. The case has garnered renewed attention with the release of a Netflix true crime drama and a documentary.