by Katie Griffin

In 1989, Jose and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez were shot to death in their home by their two sons Lyle and Erik Menendez. After three trials and hours of TV coverage, they were found guilty of the murders and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. 

Two recent releases tell their story. One of them is called Monsters, a drama series made by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. The other was The Menendez Brothers, a documentary by Alejandro Hartmann. The two were very different and got different reviews. People seemed to like the documentary more because they said it was the real story and not just a story to make it seem like they were “monsters.” 

Since those films have come out, the sentence is now subject to change. According to Biography, the Los Angeles County district attorney announced: “Thursday [October 24] the Menendez brothers should be resentenced based on new evidence in the case.”

There has been newly uncovered evidence that led to the brothers to submit a petition to the court asking for a review in May 2023. They cited an old letter Erik wrote describing his father’s abuse and Roy Rosselló’s abuse accusation against José. “The petition languished until early this month when Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced a late November court hearing to discuss a possible retrial or resentencing,” according to Biography.  

If a judge agrees, the brothers would be eligible for parole immediately “given the fact they were under the age of 26 when they killed their parents,” according to Biography. Gascón said, “I believe they have paid their debt to society.”