Calif. Judge Reopens Door to Parole for Menendez Brothers

A California judge has reevaluated the sentences of Erik and Lyle Menendez, who have served nearly thirty years in prison for the murder of their parents at their Beverly Hills home, making them eligible for parole.

Judge Michael Jesic reduced the brothers’ life sentences without the possibility of parole to 50 years to life. However, they must still seek approval from the state’s parole board to be considered for release.

This decision followed a lengthy hearing where family members, a retired judge, and a former fellow inmate testified in support of the brothers’ case for a shorter sentence or at least eligibility for parole.

Their lawyers contend that the brothers are immediately eligible for parole, though they will remain incarcerated while their parole status is assessed.

Erik and Lyle Menendez, now aged 54 and 57, were found guilty of first-degree murder for the 1989 killings of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, and were sentenced to life in prison without parole. They participated in the court proceedings in Los Angeles superior court via live feed from a San Diego prison.

Defense attorneys have argued that the brothers were motivated by fear of severe, prolonged abuse by their parents. On the other hand, prosecutors have painted them as young men driven by greed for a multimillion-dollar inheritance. Despite numerous unsuccessful appeals and requests for a new trial based on new evidence of abuse, the brothers have continued to maintain their innocence.

Support for the Menendez brothers has grown significantly, with their prospects for release appearing more positive in recent years. Various legal avenues such as new trial requests, petitions for clemency, and ressentencing pleas have been explored to help them seek freedom. However, their resentencing hearings were repeatedly delayed due to issues like LA wildfires and disagreements between the defense and prosecution.

EAsthmayo is the author of this article. Los Angeles county prosecutors opposed the resentencing, claiming that the brothers have not fully accepted responsibility for their actions. The former Los Angeles county district attorney, George Gascón suggested resentencing due to his belief in the extent of the brothers’ abuse and their rehabilitation in prison. Erik and Lyle have earned college degrees and served in various supportive roles while incarcerated. Currently, the district attorney, Nathan Hochman, is against the resentencing, arguing the lack of full accountability and no belief in the alleged abuse.