This Sunday on 60 Minutes, Tara Brown investigates the enduring mystery of the Menendez brothers, convicted of murdering their parents in Beverly Hills 35 years ago.
With new evidence and global support emerging, their claims of abuse are being revisited.
Meanwhile, Nick McKenzie delves into the case of Stephen “Shorty” Jamieson, convicted in 1988 as the ringleader of the brutal abduction, rape, and murder of Janine Balding.
Now, leading experts question whether justice was served.
VILLAINS OR VICTIMS?
Back when it happened, greed was the simple explanation that went with the headlines. Lyle and Erik Menendez had shot dead their wealthy parents in the family’s Beverly Hills mansion to get their hands on a $14 million inheritance.
Of course, the brothers denied that was the case. In court they said they killed because their evil father had been sexually abusing them. But they weren’t believed. Found guilty, the pair were sentenced to life behind bars, without parole.
Now though, 35 years later, Tara Brown reports there’s not only new evidence but enormous support from armchair detectives around the world who are convinced the Menendez brothers really are victims, not villains.
So should they be freed?
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producers: Serge Negus, Sheree Gibson
GET SHORTY
Rotting in prison for decades now, Stephen “Shorty” Jamieson’s file is marked “Never to be released”.
He is one of Australia’s most reviled criminals, because in 1988 Jamieson was the ringleader of group of young thugs who abducted, raped and murdered 20-year-old Janine Balding.
It was a truly shocking crime. But Jamieson has always denied any involvement in the murder, repeatedly saying he wasn’t even there.
Most people would easily dismiss the pleas of a despised murderer, but as Nick McKenzie reports, a number of eminent experts have listened. They’ve been reviewing Stephen “Shorty” Jamieson’s file and are now questioning his conviction.
Reporter: Nick McKenzie
Producers: Amelia Ballinger, Anthony Dowsley
