TMZ’s founder Harvey Levin expressed his surprise regarding the transformation of the Menendez brothers after spending over three decades behind bars for the savage killing of their parents.
Levin provided glimpses from a unique prison interview with Lyle and Eric, revealing their visions for the future after being released from prison and the challenges they face for freedom during an interview on Monday’s “special report.”
“I covered this case in Los Angeles as a local reporter, and my perception of them was one of monsters, monsters, rightly sentenced. Thirty-five years later, I encountered two entirely different individuals. They are – they are reflective, they are considerate, they feel remorse,” he stated.
File – This combination of two booking images provided by the California Department of Corrections features Eric Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez. (Califia section correction section via AP, file) (Califia section correction section via AP, file)
The Menendez brothers discharged multiple shotgun blasts at close range within their Beverly Hills home in 1989.
Prosecutors, and Demott accusations who pushed to have the Menendez brothers resentenced due to a new DA’s “retaliation.”
Lyle and Eric were found guilty of first-degree murder in 1996 and sentenced to life in prison without the chance for parole.
The Netflix series, released the previous year, brought renewed scrutiny to their cases, prompting then Los Angeles County DA George Gascon to encourage the brothers to seek clemency.
The DA’s office stated In May 2023, the Menendez brothers submitted a habeas corpus petition in court to annul their conviction based on newly uncovered evidence.
Lyle and Eric Menendez are seen on the left with defense attorney Leslie Abramson at Beverly Hills City Court on November 26, 1990, during a session. (AP Photo/Nick UT)
History of the Menendez Brothers’ Murder Case
“The most significant factor is, up until recently, Brett, they had no possibility of freedom,” Levin remarked to Fox News chief political anchor Brett Baier. “However, they initiated a hospice program, a suicide prevention initiative, and a green space project. They mentored fellow inmates for their rehabilitation. They obtained their college degrees, and they accomplished all this without any anticipation of freedom.
Nathan Hochman, The newly appointed LA County DA, who assumed office in early December, announced last month that it had retracted its claims initiated by Gascon advocating for resentencing.
“People want to emphasize that the decision to withdraw that resentencing request is grounded in the existing state of the record and the full understanding of the Menendez brothers, including their ongoing unwillingness to fully acknowledge responsibility for the murders.” View the press release Released from Hochman’s office.
“Should they proceed, they must explicitly and fully accept accountability for their self-defense claims and the perjury they engaged in, which the courts should consider alongside their rehabilitation and responsibilities, as others have done.”
A hearing regarding the withdrawal of the resentencing petition is set for Friday.
Lyle and Eric Menendez are depicted as young males with their mugshot superimposed. The brothers were sentenced to life in prison in 1996 for killing their parents, Jose and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez. (Ronald L. Soble/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Levin mentioned that upcoming hearings were of no value.
“I believe the hearing is insignificant because even if they are resentenced, that simply means that it goes to the parole board. I have already set the stage to send it to the parole committee,” the TMZ founder elaborated.
“This is the issue regarding their release, which creates a divide in public opinion. I think it is evident to me that Gavin Newsom is vying for the presidency. If the parole committee were to back him and certify their rehabilitation and assert they pose no threat, I believe he would release them.
California Governor Gavin Newsom spoke on September 14, 2021, at the California Democratic headquarters in Sacramento, California, following the conclusion of the votes for the recall election. (Reuters/Fred Greaves)
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“The Menendez Brothers: The Prison Interview” will be broadcast on FOX at 9 PM on April 7th.
