A state judge has turned down a request for a new for Erik and Lyle Menendez, asserting that claims of abuse did not supersede their premeditation and intent when they murdered their parents over 35 years in the past.
Recent Ruling and Legal Context
The recent decision by Los Angeles superior court Justice the presiding judge arrives just a short time after the brothers were denied early release and shuts another potential route to liberty for the pair, who have been in nearly 30 years behind bars.
The brothers were sentenced in 1996 for killing their parent, their dad, and mother, Kitty Menendez, in their luxury mansion in 1989. They were 18 and 21 at the time.
Although their lawyers argued the brothers acted in self protection after years of mistreatment, the state claimed the pair murdered their parents for a multimillion-dollar fortune.
Early Release Hearings and Court's Reasoning
The judge wrote that new proof that somewhat supports the abuse allegations does not negate the fact that the defendants acted with forethought and deliberation.
"The evidence alleged here is not so compelling that it would have created a uncertainty in the mind of at least one jury member," the court noted.
The brothers' attorney, a lawyer for the siblings, did not immediately respond on the decision.
Recent Release Decisions
A panel of two officials on 22 August denied Lyle Menendez parole for a three-year period after a daylong hearing. Commissioners observed that the defendant still exhibited anti-social personality traits like dishonesty, downplaying, and violating regulations.
The younger brother, who is incarcerated at the identical facility in San Diego, was similarly denied parole a day before, after commissioners concluded that his conduct in prison made him a danger to society.
Defendants' Statements and Backing
During his hearing, Erik Menendez offered his most comprehensive account in years of how he was brought up and why he made the choices he did.
"I didn't grow up with a moral foundation," he stated. "I was raised to lie, to cheat, to steal figuratively."
In the past months, backing from public figures and increased recognition of the brothers as survivors of abuse has helped amass a legion of advocates who have called for their freedom.
The former LA county prosecutor first opened the way to possible release for the defendants by asking a court to reduce their prison terms.
After their conviction, the inmates have gotten an degree, participated in self-help classes, and started various support groups for fellow people in prison.
Concluding Remarks
The judge's decision to finally deny the retrial request came after a period of pushback from current prosecutors.
