Menendez brothers attorney's focus on grisly photos part of strategic defense play to free killers: experts
Share and Follow


Erik and Lyle Menendez are leaning on a multipronged strategy as the brothers seek resentencing for their parents’ California murders, legal experts said.

The brothers’ had their first resentencing hearing in Los Angeles on Thursday and will be back in court on May 9 as they try to get out of prison for killing their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in 1989.

Los Angeles attorney Tre Lovell told Fox News Digital the defense is focusing on three major strategies: the brothers’ rehabilitation, testimony from character witnesses, and revisiting the sexual abuse they claim to have endured as children.

“They’ve changed since the crimes occurred,” Lovell said, citing years of post-conviction efforts, including obtaining a college degree from UC Irvine, leading prison self-help classes, and starting support programs like Green Space and a hospice care initiative. 

The Menendez brothers and their supporters have been pushing for a resentencing hearing, saying they were unfairly convicted to life in prison in 1996 for murdering their parents in their Beverly Hills home in 1989.

Both Lyle and Erik Menendez have since come forward claiming their father sexually abused them, offering a different narrative of the killings than the story their attorneys told in the 1990s.

Their first trial ended in a mistrial, when jurors couldn’t agree on their fate. After a second trial in the mid-1990s, in which some of their evidence about the alleged sexual abuse was excluded, jurors agreed with prosecutors that their motive was greed. 

If the judge decides to resentence the Menendez brothers, it would then be up to the state parole board to consider their release.

Fox News Digital’s Stepheny Price and Mike Ruiz contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Albanian opposition lawmakers light flares, scuffle with police amid parliament chaos over corruption probe

Chaos Erupts in Albanian Parliament as Opposition Clashes with Police Over Corruption Investigation

On Thursday, tensions reached a boiling point inside Albania’s parliament as opposition…
Islanders' next few weeks could get dicey — here's how to navigate it

Navigating the Challenges Ahead: What the Islanders Need to Know for the Upcoming Weeks

While the Islanders have enjoyed a successful stretch, winning six of their…
The hotel room Nick Reiner left 'covered in blood'

Shocking Incident: Hotel Room Left ‘Covered in Blood’ by Nick Reiner

Exclusive images acquired by the Daily Mail have unveiled the shocking state…
Reiner family bombshell as insiders reveal who will inherit $200m

Reiner Family Fortune: Insider Scoop on the $200 Million Inheritance Unveiled

Clad in a perfectly tailored suit with an English spread collar shirt…
'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' themed decorations face possible $2,500 fine from HOA

Homeowner’s ‘Christmas Vacation’ Display Risks $2,500 HOA Fine: A Festive Battle Begins!

In a festive showdown with their Homeowners Association, the Gathright family of…
Rob Reiner and his wife's cause of death revealed

Details Emerge on the Passing of Rob Reiner and His Wife

In a tragic development, the cause of death for Rob and Michele…
US airports allow non-traveling public past security entrances for first time in decades

US Airports Open Security Gates to Non-Traveling Visitors for the First Time in Decades

In a nostalgic nod to pre-9/11 air travel practices, some U.S. airports…
2 Fast 2 Furious star's husband charged with hit-and-run

Husband of ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ Actress Faces Hit-and-Run Charges

Devon Aoki’s spouse has been implicated in a hit-and-run incident, according to…