The Menendez brothers have had their sentences reduced, so what happens next?

Erik and Lyle Menendez, the brothers convicted of murdering their parents in Beverly Hills, have had their life sentences reduced. A judge in Los Angeles changed the sentence from life without parole to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole.

The case gained widespread media attention in the 1990s. The Menendez brothers were accused of shooting their parents, Kitty and José Menendez, with shotguns in the family’s home. The trials were televised and followed closely by the public. Recently, renewed interest in the case has surfaced due to the Netflix drama Monsters: Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and the 2024 documentary The Menendez Brothers.

During their trials, the brothers claimed they killed their parents out of fear after enduring years of abuse, but this defence was rejected by the court at the time. Yesterday, May 13, the judge approved their resentencing after hearing statements from both brothers and their family, who expressed their support. Prosecutors did not present any witnesses but said the brothers had not fully accepted responsibility for the killings.

So, what happens next?

via Netflix

According to Associated Press, the brothers now qualify under California’s youthful offender law. This allows parole for individuals who committed crimes under the age of 26. Erik was 18 and Lyle was 21 at the time of the murders.

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Their first parole hearing is scheduled for 13 June. This was originally set as part of a clemency petition submitted to Governor Gavin Newsom. It is not yet confirmed whether this hearing will also count as their formal parole review. The state parole board is conducting a risk assessment, as directed by the governor.

If parole is granted, Governor Newsom can approve or block the release. If it is denied, the brothers will continue to have future parole hearings.

So, are there any other legal actions pending?

Yes. The brothers have also filed a separate legal petition requesting a new trial. Their lawyers argue that newly uncovered evidence of sexual abuse supports a fresh examination of the case. Prosecutors are opposing the petition. A court decision is still pending.

Featured image via Netflix.

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