Mark Geragos, the attorney representing the Menendez brothers, has submitted a clemency request to California Governor Gavin Newsom. Speaking on the “Banfield” show, Geragos revealed that the governor is seriously considering the possibility of granting clemency to Erik and Lyle Menendez, using the phrase “fast track” to indicate his interest in the matter.
The Menendez brothers are seeking to have their murder conviction overturned and replaced with a voluntary manslaughter charge if they are resentenced. This change in classification would significantly reduce their potential sentence, with the maximum penalty for manslaughter being 11 years. If approved, the brothers could be eligible for parole after serving nearly 35 years in prison.
Currently, both Erik and Lyle Menendez are serving two life sentences without the possibility of parole for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. The case was highly publicized and sparked controversy, with prosecutors arguing that the brothers killed their parents for financial gain and defense attorneys claiming that the boys were acting in self-defense after being sexually abused by their father.
Recent developments, including evidence of alleged abuse and a 2024 Netflix series, have reignited interest in the case. The Menendez brothers have since come forward, requesting their release from prison. The Los Angeles County district attorney, George Gascón, has recommended that the brothers be resentenced, switching their life sentence without parole to 50 years. This would make them eligible for parole immediately due to their age. A hearing before a judge is expected to take place within the next month.
