Menendez brothers will ‘try to hide bad evidence’ fearing public backlash after Lyle’s jail romance exposed, lawyer says
After serving 35 years in jail, the infamous brothers’ prospects of being released could be dashed by public outrage over Lyle Menendez’s scandalous relationship with a British college student.
On Monday, Erik and Lyle Menendezare will appear before a court to request a second review of their convictions for the heinous 1989 shotgun killings of their parents in their Beverly Hills estate.
The infamous pair filed an ahabeas corpus petition, which is currently being assessed, alleging that fresh evidence justifies a different verdict decades after they were given a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
The evidence backs up the brothers’ claims during their well reported murder trials that they killed Jose and Katy Menendez in self-defense after years of sexual abuse.
However, rumors of a cheating scandal could ruin their shot at freedom.
Lyle, who has been married to Rebecca Sneed since 2003, shocked supporters of the famed couple last week by revealing his illicit romance with 21-year-old British student Milly Bucksey.
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Sneed tried to increase sympathy for the brothers by claiming that the marriage had been apart for months, but her allegation didn’t stop the public from calling Lyle, 56, a cheater.
Neama Rahmani, a world-renowned lawyer and former federal prosecutor, told The U.S. Sun that in high-profile cases like these, visibility is crucial.
“The PR side is important, and I think the brothers up until now have done a really good job,” Rahmani said.
According to him, the pair’s reputation has benefited from Ryan Murphy’s Netflix movie Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.
“Before the scandal, I would say that the vast majority of people are in support of Erik and Lyle being released,” he stated.
However, their public image is negatively impacted by the jailhouse relationship.
LA attorney makes announcement on Menendez brothers’ case
“I think they’re going to try to keep that bad evidence under wraps, for now, at least until the next hearing,” he suggested.
He continued, “Public opinion does matter so certainly [the scandal] does cut against the argument that he is a model inmate.”
Lyle used an illegal cell phone to talk to his considerably younger girlfriend from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California.
According to reports, he now uses another illegal cell to stay in touch with Bucksey after being caught in possession of the phone in March.
Timeline of the Menendez brothers case
Since July 1996, Erik and Lyle Menendez have been incarcerated for life without the possibility of release.
In August 1989, the boys were found guilty of killing their parents by shooting them in their Beverly Hills residence.
Timetable:
Jos and Kitty Menendez are discovered dead on August 20, 1989, having been shot many times.
Lyle is taken into custody outside his parents’ Beverly Hills estate on March 8, 1990.
Erik surrenders to the authorities on March 11, 1990, following his flight back to Los Angeles from Israel.
July 20, 1993: Lyle and Erik’s well reported trial starts and concludes in a mistrial a few weeks later.
The second trial for Lyle and Erik starts on October 11, 1995.
March 20, 1996: Two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder are found against the Menendez brothers.
On July 2, 1996, Lyle and Erik receive separate jail sentences and are given life sentences without the possibility of release.
February 2018: Erik is detained at the San Diego prison after Lyle is sent there.
On April 4, 2018, Lyle and Erik were reunited for the first time in more than two decades when they were placed in the same apartment.
May 2023: Following accusations of sexual assault against Jose Menendez by Roy Rossell, a member of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, Lyle and Erik’s lawyer files a habeas case.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story will be available on Netflix on September 19, 2024.
George Gasc, the district attorney for Los Angeles, announced on October 3, 2024, that his office was looking into fresh evidence related to Lyle and Erik’s convictions.
October 7, 2024 Netflix releases the documentary about the Menendez Brothers.
October 16, 2024 During a press conference, the Menendez brothers’ relatives beg for their release from prison.
October 24, 2024 George Gasc, the district attorney for Los Angeles County, suggests that the brothers be given new sentences.
December 11, 2024 A hearing has been arranged for the Menendez brothers to appear before a judge.
When the Daily Mail initially revealed the romance, it shocked the fans of the couple, and Erik’s daughter Talia posted a mysterious Instagram post defending her father.
Rahmani, the president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, stated, “I don’t think the cheating scandal is going to be dispositive, but it’s certainly not helpful.”
Judge Michael Jesic of the Superior Court will hear evidence of Jose Menendez’s alleged abuse on Monday. The material was provided in the habeas case filed in May 2023.
Undiscovered testimony from former Menudo member Roy Rossell and an explosive letter from Erik sent months before to the killings are among the pieces of evidence.
Rahmani stated that the brothers’ appeal is a “uphill battle” and that habeas relief is “rarely granted.”
Erik Menendez’s letter to his cousin
Erik Menendez and his brother may be released from prison after a review of the case was spurred by a handwritten note he wrote to his cousin regarding his father’s alleged abuse.
Eight months prior to the double homicides in August 1989, Erik wrote his letter in December 1988.
The complete text of the letter is:
“I’ve been attempting to stay away from Dad. It’s worse for me now, Andy, but it’s still happening. I am unable to explain it. I can’t bear to look at him because he is so overweight.
“I’m going insane because I never know when it will happen. I stay up every night fearing he would enter.
“I have to stop thinking about it. I’m terrified, but I know what you’ve stated before. I know Dad better than you do. He’s insane!
“He has often cautioned me against informing anyone, particularly Lyle.
“Am I really a whimpus? I am uncertain if I will survive this. Andy, I can manage it. I must put it out of my mind.
He clarified that California Governor Gavin Newsom’s pardon is the pair’s greatest chance for release.
But last Thursday, Newsom declared that he would let Los Angeles County District Attorney-elect Nathan Hochman make the final decision.
The governor’s decision to postpone the clemency ruling until Hochman reviewed the case prompted Erik’s wife Tammi to criticize him for “political maneuvering.”
HOCHMAN’S MOVE
On December 2, Republican-turned-Independent Hochman will become office, defeating leftistLast month, George Gasc, who made the announcement, suggested that the brothers be resentful.
Hochman is “very fair,” according to Rahmani, who worked with him at the City Ethics Commission. However, Rahmani said it’s impossible to predict what the incoming DA will decide.
It’s difficult to predict Nathan Hochman’s next move. Rahmani remarked, “He’s really played his cards close to the chest.”
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“I’m not even sure if he’ll be prepared to address the case by the resentencing date of December 11 because he stated that he’s still examining it. He might request additional time.
After addressing the abuse evidence raised in the habeas petition, Judge Jesic will consider the resentencing request on December 11.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
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