Erik and Lyle Menendez. Credit: Instagram @netflix
Lyle and Erik Menendez, convicted in 1996 of murdering their parents at their Beverly Hills home in 1989, have had their life sentences without parole reduced.
On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, a Los Angeles judge changed their sentences from life without parole to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole under California’s youthful offender law.
Who are the Menendez brothers?
The case recently regained public attention thanks to the 2024 Netflix drama Monsters: Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and the 2024 Netflix documentary The Menendez Brothers. These productions reignited interest in the shocking true-crime story that first captivated the U.S. in the 1990s.
The Menendez brothers became household names when their first televised trial aired on TV, exposing their claims of childhood sexual abuse and sparking national debate.
Why were the Menendez brothers resentenced?
Now aged 57 and 54, Lyle and Erik were originally convicted of killing their parents, entertainment executive José Menendez and his wife Kitty, with shotguns in 1989 when the brothers were just 21 and 18 years old. Prosecutors alleged they were motivated by a multimillion-dollar inheritance. They claimed they acted out of self-defence after years of alleged sexual abuse by their father – allegations they have maintained since day one.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic reduced their sentences on Tuesday following a request made last year by former district attorney George Gascon.
Judge Jesic told the court: “I do believe they’ve done enough in the past 35 years, that they should get that chance.” (Cited by Sky News.)
The brothers appeared via video from prison to express remorse.
Lyle said: “I killed my mum and dad. I make no excuses and also no justification.”
Erik added: “You did not deserve what I did to you, but you inspire me to do better.”
Several family members spoke on their behalf, urging the court to recognise their rehabilitation.
Cousin Anamaria Baralt told the court:
“We all, on both sides of the family, believe that 35 years is enough. They are universally forgiven by our family.”
Current district attorney Nathan Hochman opposed the decision, saying:
“They have not come clean… Our position is not ‘no.’ It’s not ‘never.’ It’s ‘not yet.’”
He maintains the brothers haven’t taken full responsibility and challenges their abuse claims.
The brothers qualify for parole under California’s youthful offender law. A suitability hearing is scheduled for June 13, 2025, tied to a clemency petition submitted to Governor Gavin Newsom.
If granted parole, Newsom can still override the decision. If denied, the brothers will continue to receive future hearings.
They also have a pending habeas corpus petition requesting a new trial based on new abuse evidence. Its legal status remains unclear.
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