(NewsNation) — A former federal prosecutor says things look “bleak” for Erik and Lyle Menendez, but there are still avenues for the convicted murderers to get out of prison.
Neama Rahmani joined “Banfield” on Wednesday after a California judge denied the siblings’ request for a new trial. The setback for the brothers came weeks after state parole commissioners rejected their separate requests for parole, although they can try to petition the board again in 18 months.
One other option for the pair: their sentences could be commuted by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“The governor would have to overturn the parole board’s recommendation,” Rahmani said. “Ultimately, it’s his decision. It’s just a recommendation. But it’s no secret here in California that the governor is going to run for the Oval Office in 2028, and I can’t see him sticking his political neck out to free the Menendez brothers,” said Rahmani, who called the case “polarizing.”
The Menendez brothers were convicted of killing their parents at their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. The pair have said they were the victims of abuse and feared for their lives, but Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman has argued the brothers have never accepted full responsibility for the killings.
Erik and Lyle Menendez are each serving 50 years to life in prison.