On December 11, 2024 the Menendez brothers will have a second chance with an upcoming trial to review their case on the murder of their parents in 1989. The Menendez murder case started in July 1993, with both brothers having separate juries. The fact was clear that the brothers had killed their parents, but the debate about why was unclear. The prosecutors claimed the reasoning was for money, due to the fact that Jose Menedez had a net worth of 14.5 million. The brothers attorneys argued that the reason had to be because of the alleged emotional and sexual abuse the brothers had endure in their life by their father. 

Three years were spent in the Los Angeles County Men’s Jail for the Menendez brothers before their trails even started. Leslie Abramson was Erik Menendez’ attorney and Jill Lansing represented Lyle Menendez. The lead prosecutor against the brothers was Pamela Bozanich. In the first trial Abramson brought in many witnesses to reaffirm the claim that the parents were abusive and toxic. Refuting any evidence that the brothers' testimonies were deceitful. Well Bozanich’s strategy was highlighting the inconsistent details in the brothers' testimonies. She theorized that the brothers murdered their parents “while lying in wait” as they fell asleep. Pamela pointed out how the brothers were exceptionally good at lying, and how they did it often, in detail. The first trial was declared a mistrial. The juries were polarized about the reasoning. Were the brothers killers or chronic abuse victims? The first trial ended in late January, 1994 and was considered a victory for the defense.

The second trial was set to start in June of 1995, but was postponed numerous times and began in August 1995. Leslie Abramson again represented Erik. Jill Lansing had resigned after the first trial, so Lyle had representation by the public defender's office, Charles Gessler. Judge Weissberg had strict rules on this retrial. It wasn’t televised, and limited the number of witnesses. This time the brothers were retried together, in front of one jury. The second trial ended with Abramson accusing David Conn of presenting fraudulent witnesses and using a taped confession for political gain. Abramson argued the killings were emotional overkill and not professional. Gessler compared the case to a Greek tragedy, while Conn's defense argued Lyle and Erik blamed their victims and used lies. 

The brothers were convicted of first degree murder on two accounts, and were punished with life in prison without parole. For the first few weeks the brothers were together in the same prison, but later got separated. They didn’t see each other again  until 2018, indicating that 22 years had passed. 

LA County District Attorney George Gascón has recommended the resentence of the Menendez brothers for two murders, citing new evidence and the brothers' "credible allegations" of abuse from their father. Gascón believes the brothers have paid their debt to society and is seeking parole based on California law.