Eric and Lyle Menendez are now eligible for release after spending over 30 years in prison for their parents’ brutal murder in 1989, as determined by a Los Angeles judge on Tuesday.
The judge reduced the brothers’ sentences from life without the possibility of parole to 50 years, allowing for potential parole.
It will ultimately be up to California’s Parole Board, along with Governor Gavin Newsom, to assess if the brothers should be granted their freedom following the fatal shooting of their affluent parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, at their Beverly Hills home on August 20, 1989.
During the hearing, several witnesses were cross-examined, including family members and a former inmate.
Deputy attorney Habib Varian contended that the brothers lacked “insight” by maintaining what he termed “absurd” claims of committing the murders in self-defense due to years of abuse.
In contrast, their attorney, Mark Jelagos, argued that the brothers have undergone significant personal changes.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Michael Jessick expressed support for the family and the brothers, who shared an emotional statement of regret.
This story is ongoing. Please check for further updates.
