When Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón said earlier this month that he would revisit the famous murder case of Erik and Lyle Menendez and decide whether to ask a judge to consider resentencing the brothers, some people – including his political rival – questioned the timing of his announcement.

The decision from George Gascón, the Democratic DA of Los Angeles County, has been derided by some as a political ploy to save his flailing reelection campaign.

Prosecutors in Los Angeles have recommended resentencing for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were convicted of killing their parents in 1989, offering a possibility of freedom after 34 years in prison.