Inside LADA

October 31, 2024: DA Gascón Announces Cannabis Youth Prevention Campaign

 

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The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office today announced a public service campaign to educate youth and caregivers on the risks associated with newer generations of cannabis products—which are up to 23 times stronger than they were 50 years ago—to promote healthy communities.

“Today’s cannabis products such as edibles can carry serious short-and long-term mental health risks for our youth, including anxiety, depression, and potentially psychotic disorders, leading to negative outcomes with a far-reaching impact on communities,” said District Attorney Gascón. “Teenagers and parents might not be aware of the potency and potential harms of these new products. We are honored to work with our partners in the county Department of Public Health and Office of Education on this important county-wide campaign to help set up our youth for success.”

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October 24, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces Decision in Resentencing of Erik and Lyle Menendez

 

District Attorney Gascón Announces Decision in Resentencing of Erik and Lyle Menendez

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced his decision to recommend the resentencing of Erik Menendez, 53, and Lyle Menendez, 56, after being in custody for approximately 35 years for the murders of their father and mother, Jose and Kitty Menendez in August 1989.

This matter will now go before a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge who will make the decision to formally resentence both men, at which time it will be decided if they will be released from prison. The date of this future court hearing is to be determined.

“Today, as we move forward with the resentencing of Erik and Lyle Menendez who have spent 35 years behind bars after being convicted in 1996 for the killing of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, we must acknowledge the deep pain and suffering experienced by the victims' families. For decades, they have navigated the grief of their unimaginable loss. We also acknowledge Erik and Lyle’s continuous rehabilitative efforts during their incarceration,” District Attorney Gascón said.

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October 22, 2024: Continuation Announced in Exoneration Case for Wrongly Convicted Man and Woman

 

Pleytez_Palacios Exoneration NC

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that a hearing on the exoneration and release of Charlotte Pleytez and Lombardo Palacios is set to take place Nov. 1. Each has spent more than 17 years in prison for an East Hollywood murder in 2007 that LADA’s Conviction Integrity Unit determined they did not commit.

“We must continually re-evaluate questionable past convictions in the interest of justice,” District Attorney Gascón said. “In doing so, we recognize that the system has failed at times, and when it does, the consequences are life-altering. The families of Ms. Pleytez and Mr. Palacios have lost nearly two decades with their loved ones and have suffered profoundly. This process is about righting those wrongs and restoring their dignity. Our hearts also go out to the family of Hector Luis Flores, who tragically lost his life. While we believe this case has revealed deep flaws in the legal process, we will never forget the immense loss the Flores family has experienced.”

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