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In a pivotal development in one of America’s most infamous criminal cases, Erik and Lyle Menendez have been resentenced to 50 years to life in prison, making them eligible for parole after more than three decades behind bars. The brothers were originally sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for the 1989 murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home.
On May 14, 2025, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic ruled to reduce their sentences, citing California’s youthful offender law, which allows parole consideration for individuals who committed crimes under the age of 26. At the time of the killings, Lyle was 21 and Erik was 18. The judge acknowledged the severity of their crimes but emphasized their rehabilitation efforts over the past 35 years, including educational pursuits and involvement in prison reform initiatives
The Menendez brothers have long maintained that the murders were the result of years of sexual and emotional abuse by their father, a claim that was largely dismissed during their initial trials. However, new evidence has emerged in recent years, including a letter Erik wrote before the murders referencing the abuse, and corroborating testimony from Roy Roselló, a former member of the boy band Menudo, who alleged that José Menendez had abused him in the 1980s.
The resentencing has garnered mixed reactions. While former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón supported the move, citing the complexities surrounding sexual violence and the brothers’ rehabilitative efforts, his successor, Nathan Hochman, opposed it, arguing that the brothers have not shown sufficient remorse and continue to pose a moderate risk of violence.
Family members have expressed support for the brothers’ potential release. Diane Hernandez, a cousin who testified during the original trial, spoke about the abuse she witnessed in the Menendez household, stating, “When José was with one of the boys… you couldn’t even go up the stairs to be on the same floor.” Their cousin, Anamaria Baralt pleaded for their release and said, “They are very different men. Their transformation is remarkable.”
The brothers are scheduled to appear before the California Board of Parole Hearings on June 13, 2025. If the board deems them suitable for release, the final decision will rest with Governor Gavin Newsom.
