After 35 years behind bars for brutally murdering their parents with shotguns, Erik and Lyle Menendez have been resentenced and have the possibility of being released on parole.
Watch the video below.
The California judge’s stunning decision came despite risk assessments indicating the brothers might be “moderately more likely” to engage in violence if released, raising questions about whether justice was truly served for their shocking crime.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic resentenced the brothers to 50 years to life, aligning with California’s youthful offender law since both were under 26 when they killed their parents in 1989.
This liberal state law provides yet another pathway for convicted murderers to potentially walk free, regardless of the heinous nature of their crimes.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman strongly opposed the resentencing, arguing the brothers had not demonstrated proper insight or atonement for their actions.
Hochman warned the court that the brothers’ claims of rehabilitation “must be viewed with a critical eye.”
The resentencing follows a troubling pattern in California’s criminal justice system, where even the most violent offenders find paths to freedom through progressive policies.
Former District Attorney George Gascón, known for his soft-on-crime approach, initially opened the door to the brothers’ resentencing, citing modern understandings of abuse and trauma.
Family members advocated for the brothers’ release during the emotional hearing, claiming they had served enough time.
Their defense attorney, Mark Geragos, pushed for an even more lenient manslaughter sentence, citing alleged sexual abuse by their father as justification for the killings.
Both brothers expressed remorse during a Zoom call from prison, with Lyle stating, “Today, 35 years later, I am deeply ashamed of who I was.”
Erik similarly described his actions as “criminal, selfish and cowardly.”
However, these statements come after decades of imprisonment and multiple failed appeals – convenient timing that raises questions about their sincerity.
Following a Netflix documentary that reignited interest, the case has enjoyed renewed public attention.
Left-leaning entertainment media have often portrayed the brothers sympathetically, downplaying the brutal nature of their crime.
They shot their parents multiple times, including in the face, then staged an elaborate cover-up before going on spending sprees with their inheritance.
A parole hearing is expected in the coming months, and there is a pending clemency request with Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom.
The parole board’s clemency recommendation is expected by June 13, potentially putting these convicted murderers back on the streets after just 35 years.
The Menendez case demonstrates how California’s justice system increasingly prioritizes rehabilitation over accountability for the most heinous crimes.
While the brothers have obtained education and participated in prison programs, nothing can bring back their parents, whose lives were violently cut short by their own sons.
Erik and Lyle Menendez were resentenced on Tuesday to 50 years to life in prison, which makes them eligible for parole — the latest step in a years-long battle for the brothers trying to get released after 35 years behind bars. The brothers were initially sentenced to life… pic.twitter.com/mBXmM8FYt5
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) May 14, 2025
