(NewsNation) — Advocates for Erik and Lyle Menendez rallied in support of the convicted murderers Thursday after the Los Angeles district attorney withdrew a resentencing motion that could have started the brothers on one path toward early release.
Among those calling for authorities to take a second look is Michael Mendoza of the civil rights group LatinoJustice. As a 17-year-old, Mendoza said, he met Lyle Menendoza, who served as a mentor to him.
“Unfortunately, I had found myself within the criminal justice system at a time when they weren’t separating kids from adults,” Mendoza told “Banfield” on Thursday. “At this moment, I was scared for my life.”
He said he was fortunate that Lyle Menendez befriended him in the prison yard.
“It was a moment where I realized somebody was really concerned about me, and that made me feel safe,” Mendoza said. He said their friendship of a few months “went a long way for me” and helped rehabilitate him.
Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of the 1989 shotgun murders of their parents and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
DA Nathan Hochman says he reversed course on his office’s earlier position on resentencing because he has questions about the way the brothers conducted themselves during the original investigation and trial.
Mendoza says his organization opposes “extreme sentences.” He notes that the Menendez brothers have family supporters outside of prison.
“Redemption really does lead to public safety, and they’re a great example of that,” he said.
California Gov. Gavin Newsome has not ruled out clemency for the pair.