Menendez brothers eligible for parole after judge reduces sentences

A California judge has reduced the sentences of brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez, making them eligible for parole.

In 1996, the brothers were convicted for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. The brothers were 18 and 21 at the time. They had been sentenced to life in prison without parole, however, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic on Tuesday lowered that sentence to 50 years to life, which makes them immediately eligible for parole, per the Associated Press. 

A parole board must decide whether they can be released. The brothers are scheduled to appear before a parole board on June 13 as part of a risk assessment that was ordered by Governor Gavin Newsom to assist in his decision on whether to grant clemency. 

Judge Jesic said, "I’m not saying they should be released; it’s not for me to decide. I do believe they’ve done enough in the past 35 years, that they should get that chance."

The decision comes after months of prosecutors opposing resentencing, arguing that the brothers had not taken adequate responsibility for the killings. The prosecution did not call any witnesses, saying that they had presented all of their evidence, while the defense brought family members and others who have known the brothers since their conviction to speak on their rehabilitation and character. Many of the brothers’ family members have supported their bid for freedom. Among those who spoke were several of their cousins, a former fellow inmate, and a former judge.

Lyle Menendez said in a video address to the court, "On Aug. 20, 1989, I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses and also no justification. The impact of my violent actions on my family ... is unfathomable."

Erik Menendez told his family, "You did not deserve what I did to you, but you inspire me to do better." 

In their 1996 trial, defense attorneys argued that the brothers had acted out of self-defense due to years of sexual abuse at the hands of their father. Prosecutors said that the brothers had killed their parents to obtain a multimillion-dollar inheritance.