Erik Menendez's Grave Illness Should Lead to Immediate Furlough, Family Says
Erik Menendez, 54, is in the hospital and has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, his family and attorney confirmed, and should be immediately furloughed rather than wait for a state parole board hearing scheduled for him and his older brother Lyle, 57, next month. Mark Geragos, who has spent years battling to get the Menendez brothers released based on new evidence that calls their 1989 conviction and life sentence into question, said Erik's health condition should lead to an immediate furlough.
In May, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Jessic resentenced the brothers last week to 50 years to life in prison, which makes them eligible for parole at hearings currently scheduled for August 21 and 22. Earlier this month, a second Superior Court Judge, William Ryan, ordered Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman to explain why exculpatory evidence was kept from the jury in the second trial of Erik and Lyle Menendez regarding their claims of sexual abuse. Ryan ruled that two new pieces of evidence would, more likely than not, have changed the outcome of their convictions - a letter from Erik Menendez to his cousin Andy Cano, which the defense "allege corroborates Cano's testimony and the sexual abuse allegations," the brothers made at trial. The second piece of new evidence is a declaration from Roy Rossello, a member of the band Menudo who says he was raped by José Menendez.Then governor discussed the case Sunday with "Monsters" dramatic series creator Ryan Murphy on his podcast, "This is Gavin Newsom," saying he would decide by Labor Day on whether to release the brothers after more than 35 years behind bars. Evidence presented to Jesic portrayed the brothers as having participated in extensive rehabilitation efforts.[Geragos is the co-owner of Engine Vision Media, the parent company of Los Angeles]
This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
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