After more than three decades of incarceration for the shocking murders of their parents, Harvey Levin, founder of TMZ, expressed surprise at the transformation he observed in Lyle and Erik Menendez during an exclusive interview conducted within prison walls.
Levin, who initially covered the brothers’ trials as a local reporter, shared insights from this interview on “Special Report,” detailing potential future scenarios for the brothers if they were to achieve freedom – a prospect fraught with challenges. His earlier perspective had been markedly different.
“My initial impressions of them were those of spoiled and callous individuals deserving of their punishment,” Levin stated. “However, speaking with them 35 years later revealed two entirely changed men. They are introspective, thoughtful, and demonstrably remorseful.”
In 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez fatally shot their parents, Jose and Kitty, multiple times within the confines of their lavish Beverly Hills home. The brothers were subsequently convicted of first-degree murder in 1996 and sentenced to life without parole.
The case gained renewed public attention following the release of a Netflix series last year, prompting then-Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón to recommend a resentencing for the Menendez brothers. A legal petition filed by the brothers in May 2023 sought to overturn their convictions based on newly discovered evidence.
Despite decades behind bars, Levin emphasized the brothers’ proactive efforts toward rehabilitation:
- Participation in a hospice program
- Initiation of a suicide prevention program
- Creation and maintenance of a green space project
- Counseling other inmates
- Pursuit of advanced college degrees
Levin was struck by their dedication to these programs, noting they were undertaken without any expectation of release.
However, the path toward potential freedom faces a setback. Nathan Hochman, the newly appointed Los Angeles County District Attorney, reversed Gascón’s motion for resentencing, citing what his office deemed a continued lack of genuine acceptance of responsibility for their actions.
A press release from Hochman’s office stated: “If they were to finally come forward and unequivocally and sincerely admit and completely accept responsibility for their lies of self-defense and the attempted suborning of perjury they engaged in, then the Court should weigh such new insight into the analysis of rehabilitation and resentencing.”
A hearing regarding this withdrawal request is scheduled for Friday. Levin dismissed its significance.
“I believe that hearing is inconsequential,” he asserted. “Even if resentenced, it would ultimately be referred to the parole board, and Governor Newsom has already proactively forwarded the case.”
The potential release of the Menendez brothers remains a deeply divisive issue across the nation.
Levin suggested political motivations may be at play. “This situation is clearly dividing the country. It seems evident that Gavin Newsom, with his presidential aspirations, will likely grant their freedom if the parole board deems them rehabilitated and no longer a threat.”
“The Menendez Brothers: The Prison Interview” will air on Fox News April 7 at 9:00 p.m. ET.
