Nearly three decades after being sentenced to life in prison for the murder of their parents, Lyle and Erik Menendez will begin making their case for parole this week—the closest they’ve come to potential release since their convictions.
Background on the Case:
In 1996, the Menendez brothers were sentenced to life without parole for the 1989 killings of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. Erik was 18, and Lyle was 21 at the time. While their defense claimed they acted in self-defense after enduring years of sexual abuse by their father, prosecutors argued the motive was financial—securing a multimillion-dollar inheritance.
Change in Sentencing:
In May, a Los Angeles judge reduced their sentences from life without parole to 50 years to life, making the brothers eligible for parole under California law. The change reflects a legal shift recognizing the diminished culpability of young adult offenders—those under 26—at the time of their crimes.
Parole Hearings This Week:
The parole process begins Thursday, with Erik Menendez appearing before a panel of state-appointed hearing officers via videoconference from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. Lyle’s hearing is scheduled for Friday. Each hearing will evaluate whether the individual poses an “unreasonable risk of danger to society” if released. The board will consider their criminal histories, motivations, demonstrated remorse, behavior in prison, and post-release plans.
What Happens Next:
Even if the parole board grants release, freedom isn’t immediate. The board’s legal counsel has 120 days to review the decisions. After that, California Governor Gavin Newsom has 30 days to either uphold or block the parole. Only if Newsom approves would the brothers be released.