What to know about Menendez brothers' case and when could they be released

In 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez committed a shocking crime that captivated the nation: they killed their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. The brutal nature of the crime, in which their father was shot six times and their mother was hit by 10 shotgun blasts, drew widespread attention. Initially, the brothers claimed they found their parents dead upon returning home, but their story unraveled when Erik’s psychologist reported a threat made by Erik, leading to their arrest. The brothers contended that the murders were a desperate act of self-defense after enduring years of alleged abuse at the hands of their father, though no concrete evidence of molestation was provided in court. Prosecutors, however, argued that greed was the motive, suggesting the brothers wanted to inherit their parents’ substantial estate.

Despite their defense, the Menendez brothers were arrested in 1990 and faced a lengthy legal battle. Their first trials in 1993 ended in mistrials due to deadlocked juries. A subsequent joint trial in 1995, where the judge excluded some evidence of alleged abuse, led to their conviction in 1996 for first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Sentenced to life without parole, the brothers were separated in prison after concerns they might conspire to escape. They were finally reunited in prison in 2018.

The case reentered public consciousness in September 2023 with the release of a Netflix drama series, "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story." The series examines the circumstances leading to the murders and offers multiple perspectives on the events, including the brothers’ claims of abuse. This dramatization piqued the interest of a new generation and even caught the attention of celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Rosie O'Donnell, who called for the brothers’ release. The show, a follow-up to Netflix's previous series about serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, amassed over 12 million views in its first weekend alone. Despite its popularity, the series faced criticism from the brothers and their family, who accused it of being filled with inaccuracies and sensationalism. Erik Menendez issued a statement condemning the portrayal, arguing it perpetuated harmful stereotypes and ignored the complex truths of their case.

The renewed attention coincided with significant legal developments. Last year, former Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón requested a sentence reduction for the brothers from life without parole to 50 years to life. This request was considered by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic, who ultimately decided to grant the brothers eligibility for parole. Judge Jesic noted that over the past 35 years, the brothers had demonstrated progress and deserved an opportunity for parole. Under California’s youthful offender law, individuals who committed crimes before turning 26 can seek reduced sentences, and the brothers, aged 18 and 21 at the time of the murders, qualified for reconsideration.

During the resentencing hearing, family members and former inmates testified on the brothers' behalf, highlighting their educational achievements and humanitarian efforts in prison, such as creating a hospice initiative for elderly and sick inmates. Despite this support, the district attorney’s office opposed reducing the sentence, arguing the brothers have not taken full responsibility for their actions and continue to make excuses. The Menendez brothers addressed the court via video, expressing remorse and discussing their aspirations to help sex abuse victims and incarcerated individuals if given the chance for a new life outside prison.

The California parole board will now assess whether to release the Menendez brothers, considering both Judge Jesic’s resentencing and an ongoing clemency request with Governor Gavin Newsom. If granted, clemency could further reduce their sentence or even lead to a pardon. Governor Newsom has asked the parole board to conduct a risk assessment to determine if the brothers pose a threat to the public. Although the full report has not been disclosed, the district attorney mentioned it suggests a "moderate risk of violence." The parole board hearing for the clemency petition is scheduled for June 13, and it remains uncertain if the parole eligibility will be addressed at that time.

As the Menendez case undergoes this legal review, public interest remains high, fueled by the Netflix series and ongoing debates about the justice system's handling of the brothers. The case highlights complex issues surrounding family dynamics, alleged abuse, and the motivations behind violent acts, continuing to resonate with audiences and challenge perceptions of justice and rehabilitation.