Erik and Lyle Menendez, convicted in 1996 for the brutal 1989 murders of their parents in Beverly Hills, have been resentenced to 50 years to life in prison, making them immediately eligible for parole.
The resentencing hearing concluded on May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles County Superior Court before Judge Michael Jesic, who reduced their original sentences of life without parole.
The brothers, now in their mid-50s, appeared via video from the San Diego prison where they are incarcerated. Following the ruling, they expressed gratitude toward their defence attorney Mark Geragos, who has advocated for their release based on their rehabilitation during more than three decades behind bars.
The resentencing does not guarantee freedom but allows the Menendez brothers to appear before the California state parole board, which will hold a hearing on June 13 to consider their potential release.
The parole board’s decision, along with the governor’s approval, will ultimately determine their fate.
Defence attorneys argued that the brothers have demonstrated significant rehabilitation and remorse, highlighting their efforts to create support programs for inmates and improve prison conditions. They also cited the brothers’ claims of enduring years of abuse from their father, asserting that their actions were in self-defence.
Conversely, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman strongly opposed resentencing, maintaining that the Menendez brothers have not fully accepted responsibility for their crimes.
Hochman described the murders as a “mafia-like hit,” meticulously planned and executed to inherit their parents’ wealth. He dismissed the brothers’ self-defence claims as lies, pointing out the brutal nature of the killings and the subsequent cover-up.
Despite Hochman’s efforts to halt the resentencing process, including attempts to introduce new risk assessments indicating a moderate risk of violence, Judge Jesic ruled that there was insufficient new evidence to stop the resentencing.
The parole board’s hearing in June will be critical, as it will assess the brothers’ rehabilitation, remorse, and risk to society. Should parole be granted, the governor will have the final say on their release.
