The move is a step toward clemency for the brothers, who have asked a court to take another look at their case amid new sexual assault allegations they say corroborate a history of abuse by their father,

Attorneys for Lyle and Erik Menendez say California Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered the state parole board to investigate whether the brothers would pose a risk to the public if they are released after nearly three decades in prison for the 1989 killing of their parents.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he has directed the Board of Parole Hearings to conduct a risk assessment investigation as part of the clemency application filed by Erik and Lyle Menendez.