Menendez Brothers Eligible for Parole

After serving 35 years for the brutal murder of their parents on August 20, 1989, a California judge resentenced Erik and Lyle Menendez and they will be eligible for parole. Lyle, 57 and Erik, 54 were originally sentenced for life in prison without the possibility of parole in 1996 for the shotgun death of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez; where José was shot 6 times and Kitty 10 times.

Lyle stated in court, “I killed my mother and father. I offer no excuse. I take full responsibility for my actions.” 

Erik said, “My actions were criminal, selfish and cowardly. I take full responsibility. I am truly sorry.”

L.A. Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic also heard from several family members and other witnesses testifying in favor for the siblings. The judge resentenced the siblings to 50 years to life, which will end up making them immediately eligible for parole. Judge Jesic said he didn’t believe the brothers posed as an “unreasonable risk” if they were released. Jesic said, “I’m not saying they should be released, it’s not for me to decide. I do believe they’ve done enough in the past 35 years, that they should get that chance.”

The California state parole board will now consider their case and if they give a recommendation, it will go to California’s Governor Gavin Newsom for the final decision on their freedom. The parole board is expected to submit its clemency recommendation to Governor Newsom on June 13.

L.A. County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman said, “If you shot down your parents, and you brutally and viciously murder them, and then you actually set up a deliberate and willful scheme to do it…I think that’s wrong in 1990, 1989, the mid ‘90’s when they were tried, and it happens to also be wrong in 2025.”

By - FZ