Warning: This article contains discussions on sexual assault, which may be distressing for some readers.
Erik and Lyle Menendez have received a new ruling in their resentencing hearing after being given life sentences for the 1989 murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez.
The brothers, now aged 54 and 57, were 18 and 21 at the time they fatally shot their parents in their Beverly Hills home.
Their first trial in 1993 ended in a deadlock, leading to a second trial in 1996 where they were eventually convicted.
Over the last 30 years, Erik and Lyle have remained incarcerated, but recently faced a Los Angeles judge to argue for a potential resentencing.
Here’s a detailed account of the recent developments, the implications of the decision, and insights from the brothers themselves.
The resentencing was prompted by a 2023 motion filed by the brothers, which presented new evidence alleging childhood sexual abuse by their father and asked for their convictions to be overturned.
The hearing followed a delay in April, when prosecutors argued that the court should obtain a recent risk assessment completed by the California Board of Parole Hearings for the brothers.
On April 16, a day before the scheduled hearing, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office stated: “On April 15, 2025, the People were made aware that the Parole Board has completed its Comprehensive Risk Assessment Reports for Lyle and Erik Menendez.
“There is no legitimate reason why the Court should not now possess the most current and up to date risk assessments before making any resentencing decisions in this case. The People believe that the Court should have all available information before making any sentencing decisions in this case.”
The DA added, “To the extent the Court needs additional time to obtain these documents from the Governor’s office, the People request a continuance as necessary.”
The proceeding continued following the DA’s request, but Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic chose to delay it again until May 9.
During the subsequent hearing, arguments were presented regarding the original crime and the years since. Witnesses testified, and evidence was evaluated.
Originally, prosecutors alleged Erik and Lyle orchestrated their parents’ murders for financial gain.
The Menendez brothers’ defense argued they had suffered years of abuse from their father, claiming the killings were acts of self-defense.
After 35 years in prison, the brothers have a chance at parole.
Judge Jesic altered their sentences from life without parole to 50 years to life.
They now qualify for parole under California’s youthful offender statute, as they were under 26 at the time of the crime.
The state parole board will decide on their potential release.
Judge Jesic commented, “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.”
Erik expressed remorse, stating: “I had to stop being selfish and immature to really understand what my parents went through in those last moments.”
He described the ‘shock, confusion and betrayal’ Kitty and José likely felt as they faced the guns held by their sons.
Lyle apologized for the ‘unfathomable’ impact of their actions on the family, saying: “I lied to you and forced you into a spotlight of public humiliation.”
If this article has raised any issues for you, The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available at 800.656.HOPE (4673), 24/7. You can also chat online at online.rainn.org.