A judge reduced the sentences of Lyle and Erik Menendez from life in prison without parole to 50 years to life Tuesday, making them immediately eligible for parole.
The Menendez brothers have a chance at freedom after 35 years behind bars for murdering their parents in 1989. The ruling from Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic will now be evaluated by the state parole board, and a decision will be made on their possible release, according to NBC News. The decision follows months of pushback from prosecutors who opposed resentencing, arguing that the brothers didn’t take adequate responsibility for their crimes.
VAN NUYS, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 17: Mark Geragos, attorney for the Menendez brothers, talks to the press in front of the Van Nuys West Courthouse before attending to a resentencing hearing for Lyle and Erik Menendez as part of a process that could eventually lead to the brothers’ release from prison, on April 17, 2025 in Van Nuys, California. The Menendez brothers have spent over 30 years in prison for the 1989 murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, at their Beverly Hills mansion. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)
The defense team for the Menendez brothers called on family members and those who knew the brothers since they were convicted to speak about their characters, and their rehabilitation while incarcerated. The Menendez brothers appeared in court via video as their tearful relatives showed support for their release.
“On Aug. 20, 1989, I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses and also no justification,” Lyle Menendez said during his emotional testimony, according to Global News. “The impact of my violent actions on my family … is unfathomable.”
Erik Menendez issued an apology to his family.
“You did not deserve what I did to you, but you inspire me to do better,” he said.
Jesic issued his decision immediately after the brothers addressed the court, despite the expectation the hearing would last two days. The judge noted he was especially moved by a letter from a prison official in support of resentencing, which was something the official had never done for any other prisoner he had interacted with over the course of his 25-year career.
This was welcome news for the brothers that had been turned down on appeals and numerous attempts at freedom for several years.
Defense attorney Mark Geragos sought to have their charges reduced to manslaughter, which would have allowed them to be immediately released. That was not granted.
“I’m not saying they should be released; it’s not for me to decide,” Jesic said, according to Global News.
“I do believe they’ve done enough in the past 35 years, that they should get that chance.”
VAN NUYS, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 17: Diane Hernandez, niece of Kitty Menendez, leaves the Van Nuys West Courthouse on April 17, 2025 in Van Nuys, California. The Menendez brothers’ bid for shorter sentences has been delayed due to disputes among prosecuting and defense lawyers, during a process that could eventually lead to the brothers’ release from prison. The Menendez brothers have spent over 30 years in prison for the 1989 murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, at their Beverly Hills mansion. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)
The brothers were convicted for murdering their father, Jose Menendez, a successful record executive, and their mother, Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. They were 18 and 21 at the time. Defense attorneys argued they acted out of self-defense after years of sexual abuse by their father, but prosecutors alleged financial motivation, citing the brothers’ multimillion-dollar inheritance. (RELATED: Member Of Famous Boy Band Alleges He Was Raped By Father Of Menendez Brothers)
The brothers are scheduled to appear before the parole board June 13 as part of a risk assessment report ordered by California Gov. Gavin Newsom to aid in his clemency decision.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
