Overview

• The evidence includes a 1988 letter from Erik Menendez describing sexual abuse by his father and a declaration from former Menudo member Roy Rossello alleging abuse by Jose Menendez.
• Judge William C. Ryan found that these items present a prima facie case for habeas relief and issued a show-cause order demanding an explanation from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
• In February, the DA’s office argued that the Cano letter was untimely and the Rossello affidavit was inadmissible and lacked credibility.
• In May, Judge Michael Jesic resentenced the brothers to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for a parole hearing set for August 21–22, 2025.
• If prosecutors fail to justify the exclusion of the new evidence within thirty days, Erik and Lyle Menendez’s murder convictions could be automatically overturned.