LOS ANGELES — Family members of Erik and Lyle Menendez, the infamous brothers serving life sentences for the murder of their parents over 35 years ago, are proactively advocating for their release as prosecutors reassess new evidence in the case.

A significant press conference is set to take place in Los Angeles on Wednesday, where nearly two dozen relatives will call upon the district attorney to officially recommend resentencing for the brothers. Their family hopes that they can return home in time to celebrate their aunt’s 93rd birthday this Thanksgiving.

New Evidence and Claims of Abuse

Recently, L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón revealed that his office is reviewing new evidence that could impact the brothers' sentences. Among this evidence is a letter penned by Erik Menendez, which his lawyers argue supports claims of prolonged sexual abuse suffered at the hands of their father.

Claims of Self-Defense

The Menendez brothers assert that they killed their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, out of self-defense, after enduring years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Their legal team contends that societal attitudes towards sexual abuse have shifted so significantly that, had their trial occurred today, the jury may have considered manslaughter rather than first-degree murder.

Legal Perspectives on Trial

Defense attorney Mark Geragos emphasized that the family has always believed that the charges should have been manslaughter, which was not an option available to the jury in their second trial that ultimately resulted in life sentences without parole. Erik, who was only 18 at the time, and Lyle, then 21, confessed to killing their parents in 1989 but insisted that they feared for their lives due to their father’s threats.

Prosecution's Original Case

Prosecutors during the original case claimed there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations of abuse, arguing that the brothers were motivated by a desire to inherit their parents' multimillion-dollar estate. The jury opted against a death sentence, instead imposing life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Public Interest and Media Portrayal

The case has recently been reignited in the public consciousness, coinciding with the release of the Netflix true-crime drama Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, sparking renewed interest and debate about the trial's fairness.

Future Prospects

Gascón, looking toward the future of the case, hinted at a shift in contemporary perspectives regarding sexual abuse, suggesting that had the events unfolded today, they might be met with a different standard of sensitivity. He admitted that his office is still in the process of evaluating the validity and implications of the newly presented evidence.

Incarceration and Rehabilitation

Notably, Lyle Menendez has made strides during his incarceration, recently graduating with a sociology degree from the University of California, Irvine, through a prison enrollment program. Geragos noted that both brothers have been model inmates, maintaining hope for eventual release, despite having faced their dire circumstances for decades.

Advocacy and Public Opinion

Advocacy figures like reality TV star Kim Kardashian have also entered the discourse, highlighting the media's portrayal of the brothers during their televised trial as detrimental to their case. In a personal essay, she lamented that the brothers were viewed as “two arrogant, rich kids from Beverly Hills,” overshadowing the severe abuse they suffered and leading to a miscarriage of justice.

Looking Ahead

As the community awaits a hearing scheduled for November 29, the Menendez family's campaign for the brothers' release continues to gather momentum, fueled by a mix of personal testimonies and shifting societal attitudes toward crime and abuse. Michael Gascón has affirmed that he is committed to thoroughly reviewing the case, insisting that fairness and justice must prevail. Will this renewed push finally lead to justice for Erik and Lyle? The world is watching.