Could Child Abuse Freedom the Menendez Brothers?

After more than three decades behind bars, the Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, are reaching for a chance at freedom. Their crime: killing their parents back in 1989. The defense then: sexual abuse by their father. What’s new? A recent habeas corpus petition by their lawyers, pleading with a judge to re-examine their convictions. New evidence, like Erik’s old letter to his uncle and a pop star’s revelation of abuse, could change everything.

On Monday, the judge will decide if this fresh info is worth a second look. If she says yes, the brothers might get a crack at immediate freedom or a new sentence considering their young ages at the time. But if the judge isn’t convinced, the brothers can still pin their hopes on the governor’s clemency. Either way, the case is grabbing headlines again, thanks to new docs and dramas. Members of the public will get a virtual seat in court to watch proceedings unfold. The Los Angeles district attorney, just before election day, recommended new sentences of 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole now. The district attorney who’ll decide the case next, Nathan Hochman, just took office. He wants to carefully review everything before making a call.

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