Lyle and Erik Menendez, convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, were resentenced on Tuesday, making them eligible for parole after spending more than three decades behind bars.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic revised their sentence from life without parole to 50 years to life, giving the state parole board the authority to assess their eligibility for release. “I’m not saying they should be released—that’s not for me to decide,” Jesic stated, according to the Associated Press. “But I do believe they’ve done enough in the past 35 years that they deserve the opportunity.”
The decision followed a deeply emotional hearing, during which family members, a former judge, and even a past inmate testified in support of the brothers’ rehabilitation.
Convicted in 1996, the Menendez brothers—now 57 (Lyle) and 54 (Erik)—were found guilty of fatally shooting their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion. Prosecutors argued the motive was greed, pointing to the family’s wealth. The brothers admitted to the killings but said they acted out of desperation after enduring years of sexual abuse by their father and emotional torment by their mother.
Speaking via video, Lyle Menendez accepted full responsibility: “I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses. I take full responsibility,” he said, as reported by AFP. Erik Menendez called their actions “cruel and cowardly,” also expressing remorse.
The resentencing was initiated by former Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón, who cited new evidence supporting the brothers’ claims of abuse and emphasized their rehabilitation behind bars. Since their incarceration, the Menendez brothers have earned educational credentials, led inmate support programs, and consistently expressed remorse.
Anerae Brown, a former inmate, testified in their defense, saying, “Without Lyle and Erik, I might still be sitting in there doing stupid things,” highlighting their impact on fellow prisoners.
However, the decision wasn’t without opposition. Current DA Nathan Hochman challenged the resentencing, arguing that the brothers “have not fully accepted responsibility for all their criminal conduct.” He cast doubt on the abuse claims and emphasized, “Our position is not ‘no,’ not ‘never,’ but ‘not yet.’”
Despite the debate, family support for the brothers remains strong. Tamara Goodell, a cousin, told the court she introduced her 13-year-old son to the brothers in prison, confident they could positively contribute to society if released. Another cousin, Ana Maria Baralt, added, “We all, on both sides of the family, believe that 35 years is enough.”
With their sentences now reduced, the Menendez brothers will go before the California parole board, which could determine their release as early as next month.
