Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic resentenced Erik and Lyle Menendez to 50 years to life in prison for the 1989 murders of their parents in Beverly Hills. This new sentence makes them eligible for parole after serving nearly 35 years, under California’s youthful offender law, since they committed the crime under the age of 26.
The resentencing follows a full-day hearing where family members and fellow inmates testified about the brothers’ rehabilitation. Anamaria Baralt, a cousin, described them as “different men” and expressed the family’s forgiveness. Former inmate Anerae Brown, also known as X-Raided, credited the brothers with helping him reform, saying, “Without Lyle and Erik, I might still be sitting in there doing stupid things.”
Previously sentenced to life without parole, the brothers claimed they acted in self-defense due to alleged abuse by their father. However, prosecutors argued the murders were financially motivated. The case has been in the public eye for decades, recently reignited by media coverage and documentaries.
The decision to resentence was initially supported by former District Attorney George Gascón, who cited the brothers’ rehabilitation and modern understandings of abuse and trauma. However, current District Attorney Nathan Hochman opposed the resentencing, arguing the brothers have not fully accepted responsibility for their actions.
The state parole board will now determine if the Menendez brothers are suitable for release, a process that could take weeks or months and is subject to review by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Hochman noted a risk assessment found the brothers at “moderate risk” for future violence, raising concerns about their release.
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