(NewsNation) — Erik Menendez has been hospitalized with a serious medical issue after he was transported from prison a few days ago, NewsNation has learned.
Menendez, 54, is said to be in fair condition, but his attorney, Mark Geragos, told TMZ the issue is serious enough that he asked California Gov. Gavin Newsom to release him from prison for further treatment.
Geragos previously told NewsNation’s “Banfield” on Monday that Menendez was dealing with a medical issue ahead of the brothers’ parole board hearing next month but did not go into specifics.
“I don’t want to reveal too much,” he said. “I will just tell you he’s a tough guy, and he’s getting attention for it, and he’ll work his way through it. I’ll just leave it at that. He’s on the mend.”
Menendez was taken to an “outside” medical facility for treatment.
Erik and Lyle Menendez were found guilty of first-degree murder in the fatal shootings of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in 1989. They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on July 2, 1996, and were sent to separate prisons in California.
Menendez brothers resentenced in May
The Menendez brothers were resentenced in May to 50 years to life in prison, making them eligible for parole.
“I think the time has come,” Geragos said on Monday night. “I think the stars are in alignment. I just think it’s which path we go down for them to walk out of prison finally after doing 35 years of tremendous work.”
California judge asks LA County district attorney about withheld evidence
Last week, the brothers scored a victory in their bid for freedom when a California judge ordered the Los Angeles County district attorney to explain why crucial evidence in the case relating to alleged sexual abuse by Erik and Lyle’s father was withheld from the jury.
Judge William Ryan ruled that LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman must provide an explanation within 30 days. Ryan pointed specifically to two pieces of evidence relating to the abuse the brothers allegedly suffered at the hands of their father, which was kept from the jury during the brothers’ second trial.
The Menendez brothers are scheduled to appear before the California parole board in August.
In a conversation with Ryan Murphy, who created and produced “Monster: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” for Netflix last year, Newsom signaled he would sign off on paperwork if the parole board recommended the brothers’ release.