Erik & Lyle Menendez's Court Petition Extended 90 More Days, Decision Expected Early 2025

Photo byThe Menendez Brothers/Wikipedia

The 1989 murders of Hollywood executive Jose Menendez and his wife Kitty in their Beverly Hills mansion shocked the nation. Their sons Lyle, 21, and Erik, 18, were arrested for the crime. Despite claiming self-defense due to years of abuse by Jose, they were convicted in 1996 and sentenced to life without parole.

Recently, Variety reported that Roy Rosselló, a former member of the 1980s boy band Menudo, alleged Jose also molested him. In a 2023 docuseries, Rosselló claimed Jose drugged and assaulted him as a teen. These allegations are now part of a petition filed by the brothers' attorneys to overturn their convictions.

The petition details two alleged incidents where Jose assaulted Rosselló, once at his New Jersey home and again in a New York City hotel. These claims form part of the new evidence in the brothers' case.

The brothers filed a habeas corpus petition in May 2023. They have been waiting 16 agonizing months for a court answer that could free them. Rebecca Sneed, Lyle Menendez's wife, revealed that the brothers' petition has been extended 90 more days.

According to Reddit, the district attorney is up for reelection. He might not want this case to proceed until he secures his reelection. Of course, this is all Reddit speculation, but it could be why the DA sought an extension.

Sneed allegedly revealed the brother expected an answer from the court by the first of the year. The brothers' post-conviction attorney, Mark Geragos, told PEOPLE they're "cautiously optimistic" about the petition's success. However, legal experts are skeptical.

Do you think the Menendez brothers' petition will free them? Do you think they should stay in prison? Please share your thoughts with me in the comments section below. Remember to follow me to read more of my content.