After spending 35 years behind bars for the murders of their parents, Erik and Lyle Menendez were granted a significant legal break on Tuesday, when a Los Angeles County judge made them eligible for parole.
Judge Michael Jesic of the Los Angeles County Superior Court reduced the brothers’ sentences from life without parole to 50 years to life, meaning the Menendez brothers can now go before the parole board to make their case for release. Their first hearing is set for June 13.
The ruling follows intense legal arguments and emotional testimony, reopening one of the most infamous true crime cases in modern American history. The brothers were convicted in 1996 for the 1989 killings of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion. At the time, Lyle was 21 and Erik was 18.
Although prosecutors long argued the motive was financial — citing the brothers’ desire to inherit their parents’ wealth — the defense maintained that the killings were the result of years of sexual, physical, and psychological abuse at the hands of their father.
During the resentencing hearing, both brothers addressed the court through video calls, expressing deep remorse. Lyle Menendez tearfully admitted, “On August 20, 1989, I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses… The impact of my violent actions is unfathomable.” Erik echoed his brother’s remorse, directly addressing his family, saying, “You did not deserve what I did to you, but you inspire me to do better.”
The hearing, originally expected to span two days, concluded quickly after the brothers spoke. Judge Jesic delivered his ruling the same day, citing the Menendez brothers’ personal growth and rehabilitation over the decades.
“I’m not the one to decide if they should be released,” Jesic stated. “But I do believe they’ve earned the opportunity to be considered.”
A Shift in Tone After Decades
The path to this resentencing began last year when former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón filed a motion in support of reducing the brothers’ sentences. His office pointed to their efforts at rehabilitation, including their pursuit of education behind bars, involvement in self-help programs, and creation of support groups for other inmates.
Attorney Mark Geragos, who has long represented the Menendez brothers, pushed for even greater leniency — seeking to reduce the charges to manslaughter. Although the judge declined that request, Geragos said the ruling still marks a monumental step forward.
“This is a family that has survived unimaginable pain and trauma,” Geragos said. “We’re now one major step closer to bringing the boys home.”
During the hearing, defense witnesses included cousins, a former judge, and a formerly incarcerated man who credited the Menendez brothers with guiding him through personal transformation. “Without Lyle and Erik, I might still be behind bars, lost,” said Anerae Brown, who cried as he recounted their influence on his journey.
Cousin Anamaria Baralt told the court that the family has long forgiven the brothers. “We all believe 35 years is enough,” she said. Another cousin, Diane Hernandez, testified about the abusive environment in the Menendez household that she personally witnessed.
Prosecution Pushes Back
Current Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman opposed the resentencing, arguing the Menendez brothers hadn’t fully acknowledged the gravity of their crimes. However, prosecutors ultimately chose not to present additional evidence or call witnesses, stating they had already made their case.
Jesic noted that a recommendation from a senior prison official — who had never before supported a resentencing in over two decades of service — carried significant weight in his decision.
Next Steps: Parole Hearing and Clemency Review
As part of a clemency review ordered by Governor Gavin Newsom, the brothers will undergo a risk assessment before their scheduled parole hearing next month. Their fate now rests with the parole board and, potentially, the governor’s office.
Whether they will be released remains uncertain, but for the first time in decades, Lyle and Erik Menendez have a path forward — a possibility that many thought they would never see.
