Article Summary
A Los Angeles judge ruled that Lyle and Erik Menendez, who have served 35 years in prison for the 1989 murders of their parents, are now eligible for parole. The brothers admitted to fatally shooting their parents and were each given a new sentence of 50 years to life. However, they will remain incarcerated for the time being, as they still have to appear before the state parole board for consideration.
What This Means for You
- The Menendez brothers are now eligible for parole under California law and will have their cases reviewed by the state parole board.
- Parole eligibility does not guarantee immediate release, as the board must still decide if the brothers deserve to be released.
- The re-sentencing hearing took place after former district attorney George Gascon petitioned for it, citing new evidence purported to bolster the brothers’ claims of rehabilitation while incarcerated.
- However, the current district attorney, Nathan Hochman, opposes the re-sentencing, arguing that the brothers have not fully acknowledged and accepted responsibility for the killings.
Original Post
The brothers, now 57 and 54, who appeared for the re-sentencing proceeding via live video feed from prison in San Diego, will remain incarcerated for the time being.

Erik and Lyle Menendez were jailed after admitting to fatally shooting their entertainment executive father, Jose Menendez, and their mother, Kitty Menendez in 1989. Source: Getty / Los Angeles Times
Under California law, they become immediately eligible for parole, but the state parole board must still consider the case and decide when and whether they actually deserve to be released.
The outcome capped a day-long hearing in which several relatives, a retired judge and a former fellow inmate testified in support of defence efforts to shorten the brothers’ sentence to time already served, or at least gain parole eligibility.

The brothers were found guilty in 1996 of first-degree murder for shooting to death their parents in 1989 as the couple watched television in the family room of their home. Source: AP / AP
Former district attorney George Gascon petitioned for a re-sentencing in 2024, citing new evidence purported to bolster the brothers’ claims that they were molested and a prison record showing they had achieved rehabilitation while incarcerated.
Key Terms
- Menendez brothers
- Parole
- Re-sentencing
- Rehabilitation
- California law
- State parole board
- Youthful offender statute
ORIGINAL SOURCE:
Source link