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Los Angeles DA ‘exploring every available avenue’ to ‘ensure justice is served’ after Menendez family press conference

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office is “dedicated to a thorough and fair trial and is exploring all options available to our office to ensure that justice is served,” the organization said in a statement in response from a press conference held by the Menendez. family Wednesday.

The office “has met with the Menendez brothers’ family to listen to their concerns and perspectives” and “the Menendez brothers’ cases are being reviewed by the office’s Resentencing Unit for possible prosecution,” the statement said.

Crucially, the prosecution has “developed a more modern understanding of sexual violence since the Menendez brothers were first prosecuted.” The office added: “We understand the complexity of these situations and the multitude of emotions involved for the victims and their families.”

Below you will find the DA’s full statement.

“In response to today’s press conference by the defense and family members of the Menendez brothers, we would like to take a moment to express our condolences to all the victims involved in these tragic incidents,” the statement began.

“We have heard the sincere pleas from the Menendez family for a review of this case. While we cannot formally comment on decisions at this time, please know that our office is committed to a thorough and fair process and is exploring all avenues available to our office to ensure that justice is served. Our legal team met with the Menendez brothers’ family to hear their concerns and perspectives. In addition to the habeas filing being handled by the agency’s Writs and Appeals Division, which will be heard by the court, the Menendez brothers’ cases are being reviewed by the agency’s Resentencing Unit for possible prosecution. While the habeas application raises questions about the evidence from the previous trials, the Resentencing Unit focuses on the rehabilitation and conduct of the individual during the time served.

“Prosecutors are still seeking complete documentation of the defense’s claims. The office is working as quickly as justice allows.”

“Our office has developed a more modern understanding of sexual assault since the Menendez brothers were first prosecuted. Today, our office recognizes that sexual violence is a pervasive problem that affects countless individuals – of all gender identities – and we are committed to supporting all victims as they cope with the profound effects of such trauma.”

“Our Bureau of Victim Services works tirelessly to provide trauma-informed support to those affected by violence, ensuring they receive the resources and assistance they need to heal and reclaim their lives. We understand the complexity of these situations and the multitude of emotions that play a role for the victims and their families.”

“We will provide updates as new information becomes available. Our firm remains steadfast in its commitment to justice and in supporting victims, recognizing that each case is unique and deserves careful consideration. Thank you for your understanding and compassion as we continue to navigate this sensitive issue. The next court hearing is scheduled for November 26.”

The family of Lyle and Erik Menendez and attorney Mark Geragos held a press conference Wednesday to announce a new coalition and the website JusticeForLyleAndErik.org. The couple’s aunt, Joan Vandermolen, invited the public to sign a petition asking Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón to grant the brothers resentencing.

“Their continued incarceration serves no rehabilitative purpose. It is time to recognize the injustice they have suffered and give them the second chance they deserve,” said their cousin Anamaria Baralt.

“The truth is that Lyle and Erik were abandoned by the very people who should have protected them: by their parents; by the system; by society as a whole. When they stood trial, the entire world was unwilling to believe that boys could be raped or that young men could be victims of sexual violence. Today we know better,” she added.

The Media Relations Division of the LA DA Office released the following statement to TheWrap on Wednesday: “Today’s scheduled press conference is being hosted by the attorneys and family of the Menendez brothers. The Public Prosecution Service will not attend the press conference and will not make any statements about it. No decision has yet been made on the Menendez case. Once DA Gascón makes a decision, the victims’ relatives and the public will be notified.”

The post Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office ‘Exploring Every Available Avenue’ to ‘Ensure Justice Is Served’ After Menendez Family Press Conference appeared first on TheWrap.