Lyle and Eric Menendez may soon have the chance to leave prison for the first time in over 30 years, having been convicted for killing their parents with shotguns.
This Tuesday, a judge from the Los Angeles County Superior Court changed their initial life sentences to “50 years to life” for the premeditated murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez at their home in Beverly Hills.
While not the best outcome for the brothers, who had been hoping for an earlier release, it does mean they are now eligible for parole. Their current ages are 57 and 54.
Now, the fate of their freedom lies with the state’s parole board and Governor Gavin Newsom. The board isn’t starting from zero, as Newsom had already instructed a review of their case as part of a petition for clemency. They will take into account psychological assessments along with the brothers’ behavior in prison. There’s a final hearing set for June, after which the board will send recommendations to the governor.
If the brothers end up undergoing a regular parole assessment, they might be walking free this summer.
There are essentially two paths to possible freedom: the state board could grant them parole, or even if they are denied, Newsom might still intervene favorably. On the flip side, the board could approve their release but Newsom could also choose to override that decision.
When evaluating parole eligibility, the board will check if they pose a risk to society and whether they have shown any understanding of their actions—with what’s termed as “insight” into their crimes. This involves displaying remorse and acknowledging the severity of their offenses.
Initially, the public was made aware of some preliminary risk assessments, which were sent to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office. It appears the brothers have had a mixed record in prison. Eric has faced issues with drug use and was caught with a contraband cell phone earlier this year, while Lyle has displayed traits associated with narcissism.
These factors contributed to an elevation of their risk assessments from “low” to “moderate.”
Regarding insights into their past actions, both have acknowledged that killing their parents was wrong and expressed some regret. They argue, though, that their actions were influenced by years of abuse at the hands of their father, with complicity from their mother.
In their well-publicized trials during the 1990s, they claimed they feared for their lives, believing their parents would kill them to conceal the abuse. However, the District Attorney disputed this account, asserting it demonstrated a lack of genuine insight and merely an attempt to manipulate the parole board.
Despite the controversies, both the brothers have received positive feedback from prison staff and fellow inmates, along with participating in volunteer work while incarcerated.
The eventual decision from the parole board and Governor Newsom will depend on the ongoing legal processes involving the court and the brothers’ attorneys.
With this legal battle nearing conclusion, the prospects for Eric and Lyle Menendez’s freedom seem brighter than they have in a long time.
