To be released on parole Eric, 53, and Lyle Menendez, 56 – the two brothers convicted of murdering their parents in a case that shocked America nearly 30 years ago are asking for a new sentence from a judge and then release, the Los Angeles County District Attorney said. paroled.

The 1989 murders of Kitty and Jose Menendez in their Beverly Hills mansion have haunted the US for years, and recently their story inspired a popular series of Netflix.

The case focused on the motive of the Eric and Lyle Menendez where they murdered their parents in cold blood while they were watching TV.

George Gascon, the Los Angeles County District Attorney, announced Thursday that new evidence that has come to light in the case warrants a review of their life sentences.

The way to finally release the brothers even on parole is a long way, the BBC comments, as the judge will have the final say on whether the brothers should be re-sentenced and a parole board will have to consider whether they should then be released. .

“I think the brothers suffered tremendous dysfunction in their home and harassment,” George Gascon said. He added that while there is no justification for the killings, “I believe they have paid their debt to society.”

During their trial in the 1990s, prosecutors characterized the brothers as rich kids who methodically planned the murders to gain access to their parents’ fortune. But their defense attorneys argued the brothers were victims of years of emotional, physical and sexual abuse and acted only in self-defense.

Georges Gascon’s announcement comes as new evidence in the case comes to light that bolsters allegations of sexual abuse.

One new piece of evidence was a letter from Eric Menendez to another family member that appears to be from 1988 and details alleged abuse by his father, Jose.

George Gascon said his office plans to file a new sentencing recommendation with the court on Friday. It will contain details and evidence that supports a lesser sentence.

There will be a hearing, which officials hope to schedule in the next 30-45 days, where a judge will consider and hear arguments for the release of the two brothers.

There is already a scheduled hearing on November 26 in the case regarding the new evidence that has come to light.