L.A. prosecutors review Menendez brothers' 1996 murder convictions – NECN

Prosecutors in Los Angeles are reviewing new evidence in the case of Erik and Lyle Menendez to determine whether they should serve life sentences for killing their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion more than 35 years ago, the city's district attorney said Thursday.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said during a news conference that attorneys for Erik Menendez, 53, and his 56-year-old brother Lyle Menendez have asked a court to overturn their conviction.

Gascón said there is no question that the brothers committed the murders, but his office will review new evidence and decide whether resentencing is warranted. A hearing was scheduled for November 29th.

“We haven’t decided on a result. We are checking the information,” Gascón said.

New evidence presented in a petition includes a letter from Erik Menendez that his lawyers say corroborates allegations that he was sexually abused by his father. Gascón said he believes the issue of sexual assault would have been treated more sensitively if the case had taken place today.

Gascón said his office knows the “validity” of what was presented in the trial.

“We will evaluate everything,” said Gascón, who is seeking re-election, noting that during his time in office more than 300 people have been re-convicted and only four have committed a crime again.

Cliff Gardner, an attorney for the brothers, said they were pleased with the district attorney's decision.

“Given today's widely varying understanding of how sexual and physical abuse affects children – both boys and girls – and the remarkable new evidence, we believe resentencing is the appropriate outcome,” Gardner said in an email Thursday to The Associated Press. “The brothers did it. He served more than 30 years in prison. That's enough.”

The case has gained new attention in recent weeks after Netflix began airing the true crime drama “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.”

In a statement released by his wife, “Men experience rape trauma differently than women.”

The brothers were sentenced to life in prison for fatally shooting their parents Jose and Kitty Menendez in 1989.

Lyle, then 21, and Erik, then 18, admitted they fatally shot their father and mother, who were entertainment executives, but said they feared their parents would kill them to get them prevent Erik's long-term sexual abuse from coming to light.

Prosecutors claimed there was no evidence of abuse. They said the sons were after their parents' multi-million dollar estate.

The jury rejected a death sentence in favor of life in prison without parole.