A California Court Official Rejects Menendez Siblings' Petition for a Fresh Trial
A state judge has rejected a bid for a new for the Menendez siblings, asserting that claims of sexual abuse did not supersede their premeditation and deliberation when they murdered their mother and father over 35 years ago.
Recent Ruling and Judicial Background
The recent decision by LA superior court Justice the presiding judge comes just a short time after the siblings were refused parole and closes another potential path to liberty for the pair, who have been in nearly 30 years behind bars.
Erik and Lyle Menendez were sentenced in 1996 for killing their father, 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 killed their parents for a multi-million fortune.
Early Release Proceedings and Court's Rationale
The court official wrote that recent evidence that somewhat corroborates the abuse allegations does not negate the fact that the defendants acted with forethought and planning.
"This new information is not so convincing that it would have created a uncertainty in the mind of at least one juror," the judge wrote.
The brothers' attorney, a legal representative for the siblings, did not right away comment on the decision.
Latest Parole Outcomes
A panel of two commissioners on 22 August denied the older brother release for three years after a lengthy session. Commissioners noted that the defendant still exhibited anti-social personality traits like deception, minimization, and rule-breaking.
Erik Menendez, who is held at the identical prison in San Diego, was similarly refused parole a day before, after officials determined that his misbehavior in prison made him a risk to society.
Brothers' Statements and Backing
During his hearing, the younger sibling provided his most detailed account in years of how he was brought up and why he made the decisions he did.
"I didn't grow up with a ethical grounding," he said. "I was taught to lie, to cheat, to steal in an abstract way."
In recent years, backing from celebrities and greater recognition of the brothers as victims of mistreatment has helped gather a large number of advocates who have demanded their freedom.
The former Los Angeles prosecutor first paved the way to potential freedom for the defendants by petitioning a court to lessen their sentences.
Since their conviction, the brothers have obtained an degree, taken part in rehabilitative classes, and established various support groups for fellow inmates.
Final Remarks
The judge's decision to ultimately deny the retrial request followed months of opposition from current legal authorities.
