Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: “New Evidence” That Wasn’t Enough to Win the Menendez Brothers a New Trial | Crime Alert 6AM 10.01.25
Air Date: October 1, 2025
Podcast Host: Nancy Grace

Overview

In this Crime Alert episode, Nancy Grace covers breaking news about the Menendez brothers’ failed attempt to gain a new trial using newly uncovered evidence in their decades-old murder case. She explores why the court rejected their habeas corpus petition and what this means for their future parole opportunities. The episode also touches upon two additional crime stories: the arrest warrant for actor Tyrese Gibson after a dog mauling, and the sentencing of former American Idol contestant Benjamin Glaze for child sexual abuse material.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Menendez Brothers’ Petition Denied

[00:00 – 03:54]

• Summary:
  Lyle and Eric Menendez remain in jail after a Los Angeles judge rejected their lawyers’ bid for a new trial. Their petition argued that two pieces of recently uncovered evidence supported years-long allegations of sexual abuse by their father, Jose Menendez.

• The “New Evidence” Highlighted:

  • A 1998 letter from Eric Menendez to cousin Andy Cano referencing sexual abuse by their father.
  • A 2023 statement from former Menudo singer Roy Rosello alleging Jose Menendez raped him in 1983 (publicized in the docu-series “Menendez + Boys Betrayed”).

• Legal Rationale:
  Judge William C. Ryan found neither items compelling enough:

  “Neither piece of newly discovered evidence is particularly strong. The letter... contradicts in part the testimony of Eric and Cano and does not additionally inform the jury of petitioners alleged fear at the time of the murders.”
  — Judge Ryan [01:45]

  On the Menudo allegation:

  “It is not relevant to the petitioners’ state of mind at the time of the murders.”
  — Judge Ryan [02:13]

• Reaction from LA District Attorney:

  • District Attorney Nathan Hockman hailed the ruling as a definitive end to the brothers’ appeal.

    "...a full kibosh on the brothers’ attempt to overturn their convictions. This petition does not come close to meeting the factual or legal standard to warrant a new trial.”
    — Nathan Hockman [02:24]

  • He repeated:

    “Not never, but not yet. The brothers have never acknowledged their calculated plan to kill their parents nor their attempts to suborn perjury from friends to bolster their false self-defense narrative.”
    — Nathan Hockman [02:47]

• Parole and Incarceration Details:

  • The Menendez brothers were resentenced in May to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole under youth offender laws.
  • Their next parole hearings are slated for 2028, with a possible move-up to early 2027 if behavior remains good.

• Notable Context:

  • Hearings drew a national audience and were described as having a “circus-like” atmosphere.
  • Political scrutiny was intense, with Governor Gavin Newsom's office directly observing proceedings.

• Prison Record:

  • The brothers’ accomplishments in prison include hospice work and participation in trauma programs.
  • Recent cell phone use violations and cited “antisocial personality traits” were among reasons for parole denial.

2. Tyrese Gibson Wanted After Dog Mauling

[05:02 – 06:40]

• Incident Recap:

  • Actor Tyrese Gibson’s cane corso dogs fatally attacked a neighbor’s small dog in Atlanta. Gibson’s four dogs had reportedly been running loose on multiple occasions.
  • After the attack, Gibson initially agreed to surrender the animals but later changed his mind; by the time authorities returned with a search warrant, he and the dogs were gone.
  • It was later revealed Gibson left for Dubai, stating he was “taking a mental health break.”
  • An arrest warrant for cruelty to animals is active.

• Memorable Moment:

  • Neighbor Harrison Parker describes the aftermath:

    "Henry was his first dog and his closest companion."
    — [06:10]

3. Former American Idol Contestant Sentenced for Child Sexual Abuse Material

[06:41 – 08:44]

• Case Details:

  • Benjamin Glaze, age 26, who gained attention in 2018 on American Idol when Katy Perry kissed him on TV, was sentenced to 25 years for possessing more than 700 images and videos of child sexual abuse.
  • His plea followed a tip from a mental health counselor and the results of a police search warrant.
  • Release conditions require him to register as a sex offender, undergo physiological testing, and submit to lifelong restrictions, including bans from pornography and adult businesses.

• Quote Revisited:

  • Glaze on the viral Katy Perry moment:

    “I am very honored and thankful to have been a part of American Idol. I do not think I was sexually harassed by Katy Perry.”
    — Benjamin Glaze [08:35]

Notable Quotes

• “Neither piece of newly discovered evidence is particularly strong...does not additionally inform the jury of petitioners alleged fear at the time of the murders.”
  — Judge William C. Ryan [01:45]
• "A full kibosh on the brothers’ attempt to overturn their convictions... This petition does not come close to meeting the factual or legal standard to warrant a new trial."
  — District Attorney Nathan Hockman [02:24]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – 03:54: Menendez Brothers’ denied petition and court rationale
• 03:54 – 05:02: Segment break/advertisement (skipped)
• 05:02 – 06:40: Tyrese Gibson dog mauling update
• 06:41 – 08:44: Benjamin Glaze’s sentencing and recap of Idol moment

Tone and Language

Nancy Grace’s reporting is brisk, direct, and unflinching, maintaining her trademark focus on justice and the legal minutiae of high-profile crime stories.

For ongoing coverage and updates, visit crimeonline.com or listen daily to Crime Stories with Nancy Grace.