LOS ANGELES — Erik and Lyle Menendez are getting a second chance at freedom after spending 35 years in prison for killing their parents, according to a ruling by Judge Michael Jesic on Tuesday. The brothers’ sentences were reduced from life without parole to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole under California’s youthful offender law because they committed the crime before turning 26. The state parole board will ultimately decide whether they should be released from prison.
During the hearing, the brothers remained mostly stoic as they appeared via livestream video, but they couldn’t help but chuckle when their cousin, Diane Hernandez, mentioned that Erik Menendez had received A+ grades in all his college classes during his most recent semester. The judge overseeing the case in Los Angeles must determine whether releasing them after serving nearly 30 years for their parents’ double murder is the right move. Prosecutors have the task of proving that the brothers still pose a threat of committing violent crimes if released.
The Menendez brothers were convicted in 1996 for killing their father, Jose Menendez, and mother, Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home in 1989 when they were 18 and 21 years old. While the defense argued that the brothers acted in self-defense due to years of sexual abuse by their father, prosecutors claimed they were after their parents’ multimillion-dollar inheritance. The case has captivated the public for years, with recent Netflix dramas and documentaries shedding new light on the story. Supporters from all over the country have shown up at rallies and hearings to show their solidarity with the brothers.
Not really sure why this matters, but the defense started off with a testimony from a family member, Anamaria Baralt, who stated that the brothers have repeatedly expressed remorse for their actions. Another cousin, Tamara Goodell, shared that she took her 13-year-old son to visit the brothers in prison and believes they would make a positive impact on the world if released. Testimonies revealed the abuse witnessed in the Menendez household and shed light on the brothers’ efforts to provide assistance and care for inmates while in prison.
The defense team is pushing for a reduced sentence of 50 years to life to make the brothers eligible for parole under California’s youthful offender law. Their attorney, Mark Geragos, is even suggesting a manslaughter charge and immediate release based on time served. Despite former District Attorney George Gascón’s support for resentencing due to the brothers’ rehabilitation efforts, the current prosecutor, Nathan Hochman, believes they have not taken full responsibility for their crimes. Hochman cited instances of rule-breaking in prison as evidence of their inability to control their behavior.
Maybe it’s just me, but the brothers’ fate hangs in the balance as Judge Jesic considers whether to grant them a lesser sentence. The decision will impact not only their future but also the ongoing debate surrounding their case. Family members, former inmates, and legal experts have presented their perspectives during the hearings, adding layers to the complex narrative surrounding the Menendez brothers’ story.
