A California judge has reduced the prison terms of Lyle and Erik Menendez, paving the way for possible parole in a case that shocked the nation in the late 1980s.
The brothers were convicted of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home in 1989. They had previously been sentenced to life without parole, as reported by Sky News
Now aged 57 and 54, Lyle and Erik had their sentences amended to 50 years to life, following a petition initially put forward in 2023 by then–Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon.
On Tuesday, Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic granted the resentencing request, making the brothers eligible for parole under California law.
The courtroom hearing included emotional testimony from family members, a former judge, and a former cellmate—all arguing in favor of leniency for the brothers.
Appearing by video from prison, Lyle Menendez addressed the court and admitted responsibility. “I killed my mum and dad,” he said. “I make no excuses and also no justification.”
He described the long-term emotional toll of his actions. “The impact of my violent actions on my family … is unfathomable,” he added.
Erik Menendez also spoke to the court, offering an apology and accepting blame. “You did not deserve what I did to you,” he said to his family, “but you inspire me to do better.”
The brothers, stoic for much of the hearing, smiled briefly when cousin Diane Hernandez mentioned Erik’s perfect college grades from recent prison courses.
Another cousin, Anamaria Baralt, emphasised that the brothers had shown consistent remorse. “They are universally forgiven by our family,” she said. “Thirty-five years is enough.”
However, prosecutors were opposed to the resentencing, arguing that the brothers still haven’t taken full responsibility for the crime.
Current District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the brothers have yet to be completely honest about the events surrounding the murders. “They have not come clean,” he said.
Hochman also challenged claims that the brothers were sexually abused, stating that his office does not find those claims credible.
“Our position is not ‘no,’ it’s not ‘never,’ it’s ‘not yet,’” Hochman stated, adding that full accountability is still lacking.
Despite opposition, Judge Jesic said the case merited reconsideration. “I do believe they’ve done enough in the past 35 years that they should get that chance,” he said.
Under California’s youthful offender law, both men now qualify for parole consideration, as they committed the crimes before the age of 26.
The decision does not guarantee release. The state parole board will now assess whether either brother should be freed.
For now, the Menendez brothers remain incarcerated in San Diego, awaiting a parole review that could determine the next chapter of their lives.
