Warning: This article contains discussion of child abuse and sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.
A major breakthrough has just been announced in the highly-publicised Menendez brothers case as people across the world issue their support for the pair following the news.
Erik and Lyle Menendez were found guilty of the murders of their parents, Kitty and José Menendez, in Beverly Hills back in 1989 and were both sentenced to life without the possibility of parole after being convicted of first-degree murder in 1996.
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They've maintained throughout the years that the murders resulted from a lifetime of physical, emotional and sexual abuse at the hands of their parents.
Following the release of Ryan Murphy's controversial Monsters Netflix series, potential new evidence has emerged that could support the Menendez brothers' sexual abuse claims and lead to a retrial with both Erik's daughter, Talia, and his wife, Tammi, advocating for their freedom among many others.
The pair filed a habeas corpus petition, a legal process which determines whether or not someone's imprisonment is lawful, which could potentially see them walk free.
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People following the case have been eagerly waiting for the latest update and now a top LA prosecutor, George Gascón, has backed the Menendez brothers being released after over 30 years behind bars.
"I believe the brothers were subject to a tremendous amount of dysfunction in their home and molestation," he said on Thursday.
Adding that, while there is no excuse for murder: "I believe they have paid their debt to society".
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Recommending to the court that the killer siblings be eligible for parole, Gascón continued: "There were people in the office who strongly believe the Menedez brothers should stay in prison for the rest of their life, and do not believe they’ve been molested.
"There are people in the office who believe they should be released immediately and were in fact molested."
The prosecutor added: "There’s no excuse for murder, and I will never imply that what we’re doing here is to excuse their behaviour - because even if you get abused, the right path is to call the police and seek help."
He did also acknowledge that sometimes individuals who have been abused can be 'desperate' and ultimately 'murder their abuser out of desperation'.
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The final decision, however, will be left to a judge.
If a judge agrees with Gascón’s recommendation, then resentencing the Menendez brothers for murder would mean their new, parole-eligible sentences would change from 50 years to life which is 25 years for each murder.
But, even if the resentencing gets approved by a judge and the Erik and Lyle's release gets approved by a parole board, California Governor Gavin Newsom could still reject it.
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Kim Kardashian, who recently visited the brothers in jail back in September, took to Instagram yesterday (24 October) to share the news with her followers.
In a statement posted to her story, Kardashian penned: "The Menendez brothers were granted a second chance at life and will wake up tomorrow finally eligible for a parole hearing. They could be released in as early as 6 months.
"Thank you, George Gascón, for revisiting the Menendez brothers' case and righting a significant wrong. Your commitment to truth and fairness is commendable."
She continued: "To the brothers' family, friends, and the millions who have been vocal supporters - your voices were heard. The media's focus, especially on the heels of Ryan Murphy's TV show, helped expose the abuse and injustices in their case.
"Society's understanding of child abuse has evolved, and social media empowers us to question the systems in place.
"This case highlights the importance of challenging decisions and seeking truth, even when guilt is not in question."
The Kardashians star added: "I believe in the justice system's ability to evolve, and I am grateful for a society where we can challenge decisions and seek justice.
"Never stop questioning."
People across the globe have since rushed to social media to share their support following the announcement, with one Twitter user writing: "They need to be freed IMMEDIATELY. Those poor boys were being sexually and physically abused for YEARS."
"They served their time... let them go. The acts of abuse from their parents was sickening," penned another.
And a third added: "Genuinely in tears seeing this. I am so happy for them and I hope they get the freedom they deserved from the beginning."
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.
Topics: Menendez Brothers, Crime, US News
Rhiannon Ingle