Who is George Gascón? LA district attorney recommending resentencing for Menendez brothers
THE Menendez Brothers have been behind bars for 35 years following the brutal slaying of their parents.
Now new evidence means they could be out on parole by the end of 2024 — here’s what we know about George Gascón, who announced he will ask the judge to consider resentencing for Erik and Lyle.
George is the current district attorney of Los Angeles County, known for his progressive approach to criminal justice reform.
His decision to recommend resentencing for Erik and Lyle Menendez has thrust him into the national spotlight.
Who is George Gascón?
George Gascón was born in Havana, Cuba, on March 12, 1954.
He immigrated to the States as a child with his family and grew up in Los Angeles.
George served in the US Army before joining the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in 1978.
During his time with the LAPD, George rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Assistant Chief of Police.
His career in law enforcement continued as he served as Chief of Police in Mesa, Arizona, and later in San Francisco.
District attorney
In 2011, George was appointed as the district attorney of San Francisco, a position he held until 2019.
He gained widespread recognition for his progressive policies, including efforts to reduce mass incarceration and address racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
In 2020, George successfully ran for Los Angeles County district attorney, defeating the incumbent Jackie Lacey.
He took office in December 2020, promising to implement significant reforms in the nation’s largest prosecutorial office.
Controversies
As Los Angeles County district attorney, George has implemented several controversial policies, including:
- Eliminating cash bail for most nonviolent offenses
- Refusing to seek the death penalty in all cases
- Declining to prosecute certain low-level offenses
- Reevaluating sentences for individuals who have served extensive prison terms
These policies have drawn both praise from criminal justice reform advocates and criticism from law enforcement groups and some victims’ rights organizations.
Since (Erik and Lyle Menendez) were under 26 years of age at the time that this crime occurred, they will be eligible for parole immediately
George Gascón
Menendez brothers’ case
On October 24, 2024, George announced that he will ask a judge to reconsider resentencing Lyle and Erik.
He said: “I came to a place where I believe, under the law, resentencing is appropriate.”
The DA revealed that he would ask the court to remove the life without the possibility of parole and request it be replaced with a sentence of 50 years to life with the possibility of parole.
He added: “However, because of their age under the law, since they were under 26 years of age at the time that this crime occurred, they will be eligible for parole immediately.”
The district attorney’s office has been examining new evidence, including a letter Erik Menendez wrote to a cousin prior to the murders, hinting at abuse.
New evidence also includes a sworn declaration from a former member of the boy band Menudo, alleging sexual assault by Jose Menendez.
George has stated that societal understanding of sexual abuse has evolved since the original trial, potentially affecting how a jury today might view the case.
His recommendation for resentencing in the Menendez case will ultimately be decided by a judge.
The hearing is scheduled for November 26, 2024.
Erik Menendez's letter to his cousin
A hand written letter Erik Menendez wrote to his cousin about his dad's alleged abuse has sparked a review of the case that could set him and his brother free from jail.
Erik’s letter was written in December 1988, eight months before the double murders in August 1989.
The letter reads in full:
“I’ve been trying to avoid dad. It’s still happening, Andy, but it’s worse for me now. I can’t explain it. He so overweight that I can’t stand to see him.
“I never know when it’s going to happen and it’s driving me crazy. Every night I stay up thinking he might come in.
“I need to put it out of my mind. I know what you said before but I’m afraid. You just don’t know dad like I do. He’s crazy!
“He’s warned me a hundred times about telling anyone, especially Lyle.
“Am I a serious whimpus? I don’t know I’ll make it through this. I can handle it, Andy. I need to stop thinking about it.”