A Los Angeles judge has reduced the sentence of Erik and Lyle Menendez, making them eligible for parole more than 30 years after they killed their parents in a Beverly Hills mansion. Judge Michael Jesic resentenced the brothers on Tuesday, after hearing evidence from relatives and prison staff about their attempts to make amends while behind bars. The district attorney had argued that they were not rehabilitated, but now the state parole board will consider the possibility of the brothers' release as early as next month. The brothers have long argued that they killed Kitty and Jose Menendez out of self-defence after years of sexual abuse, in a high-profile case that prompted a Netflix show which renewed interest in the story.
Prosecutors, who have opposed the brothers’ resentencing, did not call any witnesses. They’ve argued the brothers haven’t taken full responsibility for their crimes. Erik and Lyle Menendez appeared virtually to read their statements to the court. “You did not deserve what I did to you, but you inspire me to do better,” Erik Menendez said, addressing his family. Jesic issued his decision immediately after the brothers spoke, granting them a new sentence of 50 years to life.
Erik and Lyle Menendez will be eligible to leave prison after serving more than 30 years behind bars for the vicious 1989 shotgun slayings of their parents, a Los Angeles judge ruled Tuesday. The judge reduced the sentences for the killer siblings — who are now 54 and 57, respectively — from life without parole to 50 years to life with the possibility of parole. It will now be up to the California parole board and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom to decide if the brothers deserve freedom after they gunned down their wealthy parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their lavish Beverly Hills home on Aug. 20, 1989.
