LOS ANGELES — May 14, 2025 — A Los Angeles judge ruled Tuesday that Erik and Lyle Menendez are eligible for parole, a landmark decision that significantly advances the possibility of release for the two brothers convicted of killing their parents in 1989.
Embed from Getty ImagesLos Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic re-sentenced the brothers, originally sentenced to life in prison without parole, to 50 years to life. The decision follows decades of public interest in the case and growing support for the brothers, now aged 54 and 57, who have served more than three decades behind bars.
“They had tears and they were smiling,” said defense attorney Cliff Gardner, describing the brothers’ reaction via video link during the court proceedings. The Menendez brothers were convicted in the early 1990s for the shotgun killings of their wealthy parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. During their trials, they claimed the murders were committed in self-defense after enduring years of sexual and emotional abuse.
The case, which drew intense media scrutiny in the 1990s, has experienced renewed attention in recent years, fueled by a Netflix series and a documentary that spotlighted the brothers’ allegations of abuse and their conduct while incarcerated. Supporters say the Menendez brothers have demonstrated sincere rehabilitation during their time in prison.
Erik Menendez co-founded a hospice program for terminally ill inmates, while Lyle Menendez created an initiative to help fellow prisoners address childhood trauma, including sexual abuse.
“Ultimately, we are here today with this result because of Erik and Lyle — because they chose to live their lives with clarity and a purpose of service,” said Anna Maria Baralt, niece of Jose Menendez, speaking outside the courthouse. “So a huge thanks to them for being the kind of people we could bring home.”
Attorney Mark Geragos, who has long represented the brothers, hailed the ruling as a significant step toward redemption. “I know on a day like today, redemption is possible,” Geragos told reporters. “The Menendez brothers have done remarkable work, and today is a great day after 35 years.”
The re-sentencing followed a full day of testimony, with relatives, a retired judge, and a former inmate speaking in support of the brothers. Former District Attorney George Gascón had filed the petition for re-sentencing last year, citing new evidence of abuse and the brothers’ exemplary prison records.
Gascón argued that the brothers should qualify for parole under California’s youthful offender statute, which applies to individuals under 26 at the time of their crimes. Lyle was 21 and Erik was 18 when the murders occurred.
However, current District Attorney Nathan Hochman opposed the re-sentencing. He argued that the brothers have never fully accepted responsibility, pointing to their longstanding claim of acting in self-defense. Hochman also cited a recent parole board report that rated the brothers as a “moderate risk” to public safety, noting disciplinary violations including the possession of contraband cellphones.
“The Menendez brothers are not ready for resentencing,” Hochman stated during a May 9 hearing, urging the court to reject the petition. His request was ultimately denied by Judge Jesic, who also largely dismissed the parole board’s findings.
Geragos, meanwhile, withdrew a petition seeking Hochman’s removal from the case, signaling a desire to expedite the legal process moving forward.
In addition to their parole eligibility, the Menendez brothers are also seeking clemency from California Governor Gavin Newsom. At the governor’s request, a state parole board prepared a risk assessment, which Newsom is expected to consider in the coming months.
Though still incarcerated at a prison in San Diego, the brothers are now closer than ever to possible release — a turn few could have imagined in the aftermath of one of the nation’s most sensational family murder cases.
Parole proceedings will now determine whether Erik and Lyle Menendez will be released after more than three decades behind bars.
