Erik and Lyle Menendez have faced another setback in their legal battle to overturn their convictions for the 1989 murders of their parents. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied their petition for a new trial on Tuesday, citing insufficient new evidence to warrant a reconsideration of their case.

The Menendez brothers, who have been imprisoned for over three decades, filed a habeas corpus petition in 2023. They argued that new evidence regarding alleged sexual abuse by their father, Jose Menendez, should lead to a new trial. The petition included two key pieces of evidence: a letter Erik Menendez wrote to his cousin, Andy Cano, detailing his alleged abuse, and allegations from Roy Rosselló, a former member of the boy band Menudo, who claimed he was also abused by Jose Menendez.

Judge William C. Ryan ruled that the new evidence did not significantly challenge the original findings of premeditation and deliberation in the case. In his decision, he stated, "The purported new evidence that slightly corroborates that petitioners were sexually abused does not negate the finding of premeditation and deliberation and the lying in wait special circumstance."

The judge further noted that the evidence presented was not compelling enough to create reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors. He emphasized that the jury had already considered the allegations of abuse during the trial and still found the brothers guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy.

The brothers' attorney, Mark Geragos, argued that the new evidence supports their claims of long-term abuse and undermines the prosecution's case. However, the District Attorney's Office opposed the petition, asserting that the evidence of planning and premeditation in the case was overwhelming. Deputy District Attorney Seth Carmack stated, "While sexual abuse is abhorrent and may be a motive for murder, it does not justify murder and does not negate overwhelming evidence of planning, deliberation, and premeditation."

The Menendez brothers were initially sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for the murders of their parents, Jose and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menendez, on August 20, 1989. In May, they were resentenced to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole consideration due to their ages at the time of the crime. However, they were denied parole in separate hearings last month and will be eligible to apply again in three years.

With their recent legal efforts falling short, the brothers are now left with a clemency request submitted to California Governor Gavin Newsom. Their chances for release may hinge on this request, as they continue to seek justice after decades of incarceration.