Menendez brothers won't get new trial; judge rejects petition over sexual abuse claims

['Richard Winton Is An Investigative Crime Writer For The Los Angeles Times', 'Part Of The Team That Won The Pulitzer Prize For Public Service In Known As', 'James Queally Writes About Crime', 'Policing In Southern California', 'Where He Currently Covers Los Angeles County S Criminal Courts', 'The District Attorney S Office', 'Juvenile Justice Issues For The Los Angeles Times.'] Los Angeles Times 2025-09-16 00:00:00

A judge rejected petitions by Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez to overturn their convictions in the deaths of their parents. AdvertisementThe new evidence included a 1988 letter that Erik Menendez sent to his cousin, Andy Cano, saying he was abused into his late teens. The petition rejected this week was one of three paths the Menendez legal team has pursued in seeking freedom for the brothers. In the second, allegations of abuse and supporting testimonies were restricted, and Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of first-degree murder in March 1996. If he was alive, that was going to happen.”Asked why the two killed their mother as well, Erik Menendez said that the decision was made after learning she was aware of the abuse.