Menendez brothers granted parole eligibility after 35 years in prison

Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were convicted of murdering their parents more than three decades ago, are now eligible for parole after a California judge reduced their sentences to 50 years to life.

The ruling came from Judge Michael Jesic, who noted that while he was not advocating for the brothers' release, he believed they deserved the opportunity to be considered for parole.

“I’m not saying they should be released; it’s not for me to decide,” Jesic stated in court. “I do believe they’ve done enough in the past 35 years, that they should get that chance.”

Read more: Menendez brothers face resentencing on Tuesday after 30 years in prison

The Menendez brothers were originally sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for the 1989 killings of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, inside the family's Beverly Hills mansion. The case gripped the nation at the time, with prosecutors arguing the brothers were motivated by greed, eager to claim their inheritance. The defense, however, maintained that the brothers acted out of fear after enduring years of sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of their father.

Over the years, the case remained in the spotlight, fueled by renewed public interest through books and documentaries. That growing attention helped shift public sentiment, leading to mounting calls for a review of their sentences.

Jesic’s decision followed months of legal wrangling and resistance from prosecutors, who argued that the brothers had not taken sufficient accountability for the murders. However, the judge was ultimately swayed by testimony from supporters including relatives, a retired judge, and a former inmate, all of whom vouched for the brothers’ transformation behind bars.

“We all, on both sides of the family, believe that 35 years is enough,” said cousin Anamaria Baralt during the hearing. “They are universally forgiven by our family.”

During the resentencing hearing, both Erik and Lyle addressed the court. Lyle offered a direct and solemn admission: “On Aug. 20, 1989, I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses and also no justification.”

The brothers, who were 18 and 21 at the time of the killings, have consistently claimed they acted in self-defense, fearing their parents would kill them to cover up years of abuse. Their repeated attempts at appealing the conviction over the years had previously been denied.

With their sentences officially reduced, the Menendez brothers will now go before the state parole board next month, where a decision on their potential release will be determined.