Menendez mistrial declared
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.LOS ANGELES - The Beverly Hills murder trial of Lyle Menendez, which has transfixed the United States for months, last night ended in a mistrial after a jury here said it was hopelessly deadlocked and that there was no point in continuing its deliberations, writes Phil Reeves.
Its announcement came just over two weeks after a mistrial was declared in the trial of his brother, Erik, with whom he blasted his parents to death with pump-action shotguns as they were watching television in their dollars 4m ( pounds 2.6m) luxury mansion.
The wealthy young brothers now face a possible retrial, as the Los Angeles District Attorney has said he will file murder charges again, although prosecutors may decide to offer a plea-bargain deal instead. The two separate juries that tried the case - one for each brother - were both deeply split over whether to find them guilty of murder or manslaughter.
Lyle Menendez, 26, a former Princeton student, smiled slightly when the jury announced it was still deadlocked, after 25 days of discussions. He and his 23-year-old brother have escaped a possible death sentence and have won a considerable body of support during the hearing, which supplied the world with an extraordinary insight into the miserable, dysfunctional home of a rich Hollywood entertainment executive.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments