### Menendez Brothers' Attorney Seeks Reduced Conviction for Expedient Release

In a significant move, Attorney Mark Geragos is contemplating a request to downgrade the Menendez brothers' murder conviction to voluntary manslaughter. This initiative aims to hasten the release of Eric and Lyle Menendez, who have been serving life sentences without parole for the murder of their parents in 1989.

Geragos, expressing optimism about the potential for his clients' release, has promised that the Menendez brothers could be home by Thanksgiving. By persuading a Los Angeles judge to reduce the conviction, Geragos hopes to fast-track their release from prison. In an interview with Good Morning America, he revealed that the brothers are "cautiously optimistic" about the possibility of an early release. Support for their release also comes from within the family, with cousin Tamara Goodell stating, "They've served a penance and now it's time for them to come home."

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has already filed the necessary paperwork recommending resentencing for the Menendez brothers. This step follows new evidence that prompted a reevaluation of the case. However, Gascón maintains that the brothers' original convictions for premeditated murder were justified, labeling the murders as brutal. Despite this stance, Gascón recommends their release, arguing, "I believe the people that they were are not the same people they are 35 years later."

The path to potential freedom for the Menendez brothers involves multiple stages. Even if a judge agrees to resentencing, the decision would still require approval from the Board of Parole and Governor Gavin Newsom—a process that could take a year. If the judge reduces the conviction to voluntary manslaughter, the brothers could be released immediately, having already served more than the maximum sentence for that charge.

Despite these developments, there are still voices against their release. Kitty Menendez's brother, Milton Andersen, expressed through his attorney that he wishes Eric and Lyle Menendez to remain in prison and serve their life sentences.

The Menendez brothers have consistently admitted to killing their parents but claimed it was an act of self-defense, alleging years of sexual abuse by their father. Geragos and others believe that if the trial were held today, the brothers might not have been convicted of murder.

The decision on their fate now rests with a Superior Court judge, who has yet to be appointed. Geragos noted that his next steps depend on the identity of this judge, as he evaluates whether to file for the convictions to be recalled.