After spending 35 years in prison for the high-profile 1989 murders of their parents, Erik and Lyle Menendez were resentenced Tuesday to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole. The move marks a major development in the brothers’ decades-long legal battle and ongoing efforts to gain their freedom.
Originally sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, the Menendez brothers were convicted of killing Jose and Kitty Menendez in their Beverly Hills mansion—a crime that shocked the nation and captivated public attention for years. With this new sentence, they now join a growing number of inmates eligible for release under recent California justice reforms.
Expressions of Remorse and a Push for Redemption
During the resentencing hearing, held virtually with the brothers appearing from prison, both Erik and Lyle Menendez addressed the court with emotional statements.
“I killed my mom and dad,” Lyle admitted candidly. “I give no excuses.” He went on to confess to perjury during his initial trials and apologized for the lies that had compounded his family’s trauma. His brother Erik echoed that tone, saying, “I committed an atrocious act… My actions were criminal, selfish and cowardly.”
He added, “I have come a long way on this path of redemption. I will not stop trying to make a difference.”
Following the hearing, Erik Menendez released a written statement: “This has to be the first step in giving people who have no hope in prison some hope. That possibility that rehabilitation works is more important than anything that happened to me today.”
Family and Legal Support
More than 20 family members supported the resentencing request, including their cousin Anamaria Baralt, who testified on their behalf. Fighting back tears, she urged the court to allow the brothers a chance to reunite with their aging relatives.
“They are very different men than when they committed the murders,” Baralt said. “Their transformation is remarkable.”
Defense attorney Mark Geragos, who has long represented the Menendez brothers, declared the hearing a breakthrough.
“There are no two better candidates in the state of California right now for resentencing than Erik and Lyle Menendez,” Geragos said outside the courtroom. “It’s a unicorn-style situation: horrific crimes, yes, but also unprecedented rehabilitation.”
A retired judge also testified in favor of the brothers, saying their example had changed his outlook on inmate reform. “Because of them, I now believe in rehabilitation,” he stated, describing them as respected figures who help fellow inmates and the elderly.
Prosecution Pushback and Parole Concerns
Despite the ruling, the case remains contentious. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who succeeded George Gascón after his failed re-election bid, filed a motion to reverse the resentencing—calling the brothers’ claims of self-defense part of “a litany of lies.” Judge Michael Jesic ultimately denied that request.
Following Tuesday’s decision, Hochman issued a statement saying, “This case… must be viewed with a critical eye,” emphasizing the need for transparency and a full accounting of the facts.
A recent risk assessment conducted by the California Board of Parole—at the request of Governor Gavin Newsom—rated the brothers as a “moderate risk” if released. The evaluation, part of a separate clemency track, noted the brothers’ involvement in several prison violations over the years, including illegal cellphone possession—most recently by Erik in January of this year.
Still, their disciplinary record has shown improvement. Lyle Menendez has no history of violent behavior behind bars, and Erik’s only infraction involving violence dates back 25 years.
Looking Ahead
The brothers’ fight for freedom now turns to a parallel clemency effort. Their next hearing is scheduled for June 13, when the court will consider arguments stemming from the parole board’s risk assessment. Meanwhile, Governor Newsom retains the authority to grant clemency independently of the resentencing process.
Whether parole or clemency, Erik and Lyle Menendez remain determined to prove that their decades in prison have not been in vain—and that their future lies beyond prison walls.
Keep up with the Menendez brothers’ case with us on Que Onda Magazine.