Menendez Brothers Release Date: Will It Be After Super Bowl LIX?

With Super Bowl LIX set for February 9, 2025 in New Orleans, some are wondering if the Menendez brothers’ potential release date could come shortly after the big game. Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted in the 1989 murder of their parents and given life sentences without parole. However, new evidence and a request for resentencing have led to speculation that the brothers could be released as early as January 2025.

Background on The Menendez Case

In 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez shot and killed their parents in the family’s Beverly Hills home. Lyle was 21 and Erik was 18 at the time.

Their defense argued the murders were motivated by years of abuse, while prosecutors said they wanted to gain control of the family fortune.

The first trials ended in deadlocked juries but they were convicted in a 1996 retrial after evidence of alleged abuse was excluded. They received sentences of life without parole.

Menendez Brothers Seek New Trial

Earlier this year, the Menendez brothers submitted a habeas corpus petition citing two new pieces of evidence they had not previously seen. This led to a status hearing where two aunts gave emotional testimony about alleged abuse the brothers faced from their father Jose Menendez. Joan VanderMolen, their mother’s sister, spoke of the trauma they endured. She said the abuse included sexual assault.

While an uncle opposes their release, the aunts’ testimony provided new context about the family’s dynamic. The judge decided to delay the next hearing until January 2025 to allow newly elected LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman time to review the case files.

Will there be more delays, pushing their release to after the Super Bowl? Betting site 22bet21.com thinks so, offering odds of 1.333 or 75%.

New Evidence in Menendez Case

The habeas corpus petition focuses on two new pieces of evidence. One is testimony from a former Menudo band member accusing Jose Menendez of sexual abuse.

The other is a letter written by Erik Menendez to his cousin around eight months before the murders describing abuse by his father. Though the cousin testified years ago, the letter only surfaced later.

The brothers argue this evidence supports their claim of trauma and self-defense. Their goal is resentencing and release by January 2025.

Potential Resentencing

Last month, former LA District Attorney George Gascón suggested resentencing the brothers to 50 years to life instead of life without parole. This would make them eligible for immediate parole given their ages at the time of the crime.

However, Gascón lost reelection to Hochman, who wants to thoroughly review the case himself before deciding on resentencing. The DA changeover led to the postponed January hearing.

In addition to the courts, the Menendez brothers have petitioned California Governor Gavin Newsom for clemency. Newsom has said he will wait for the DA’s input before taking action.

With the court date pushed to January and the Super Bowl shortly after in early February, there is a possibility the brothers’ potential release could come around the time of the big game. The outcome rests in the hands of the new LA District Attorney, who must thoroughly review the facts himself. For now, the release date and chances for resentencing remain uncertain.