Judge Consents to Reevaluation of Sentence for 1989 Homicides

A Los Angeles judge has agreed to resentence two brothers who are serving life in prison for the 1989 murders of their parents in a Beverly Hills mansion.

Judge Michael Jesic’s ruling in the case of Erik and Lyle Menendez paves the way for the brothers’ possible release on parole.

The pair have acknowledged killing Kitty and Jose Menendez, but said they acted out of self-defence after years of abuse and have since been rehabilitated.

Prosecutors have argued the brothers meticulously planned the shotgun killings to access their parents’ fortune, are yet to take responsibility and should not be released.

The brothers are expected to first give a statement – via video – to the court at Tuesday’s hearing.

The notorious case, which has prompted books, documentaries and dramas, still divides America.