LOS ANGELES, USA – Erik and Lyle Menendez, convicted of the brutal 1989 murders of their parents, were resentenced on Tuesday to 50 years to life in prison, making them eligible for parole after more than three decades behind bars.
The decision marks a pivotal moment in the brothers’ decades-long campaign for freedom — and renews a national conversation around crime, punishment, and redemption.
The resentencing, handed down by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, followed a recommendation made last year by then-District Attorney George Gascón, who argued that the brothers had demonstrated extraordinary rehabilitation during their incarceration.
“A First Step in Giving People Hope”
In a statement released after the hearing, Erik Menendez said he was “touched and humbled by the outpouring of support,” adding,
“This has to be the first step in giving people who have no hope in prison some hope.”
“My goal is to ensure there are no more people spending 35 years in prison without hope,” he continued.
“That possibility of having hope that rehabilitation works is more important than anything that happened to me today.”
Both brothers, now in their 50s, appeared remotely for the hearing and spoke directly to the court.
Lyle Menendez admitted guilt without reservation: “I killed my mom and dad. I give no excuses.”
He also confessed to committing perjury during his original trial, apologising for years of deceit.
Erik Menendez echoed the sentiment, calling his actions “criminal, selfish, and cowardly.” He added, “No excuse. No justification for what I did.”
A Judge Moved by Redemption
Judge Jesic, while acknowledging the “horrific” nature of the crime, noted he was moved by the brothers’ rehabilitation and by letters of support from prison staff.
“I am amazed by what the brothers have accomplished,” Jesic said.
A retired judge who works with therapy dogs testified that the Menendez brothers are now viewed as role models among inmates and said their transformation changed his own views on rehabilitation.
Defense attorney Mark Geragos, who has represented the brothers since the 1990s, described the ruling as “a win-win on so many levels.”
“There are no two better candidates in the state of California right now for resentencing than Erik and Lyle Menendez,” he told reporters.
“You have horrific crimes—but also remarkable, almost unparalleled rehabilitation and redemption.”
Family Testifies in Support
The courtroom was filled with emotional testimony from family members, including cousin Anamaria Baralt, who pleaded for the brothers’ release and called their transformation “remarkable.”
“They are very different men than when they committed the murders,” she said, through tears. “Time is running out for them to be reunited with aging family members.”
During cross-examination, Baralt acknowledged the brothers have taken full responsibility for the murders and that Lyle admitted to previously encouraging a witness to lie.
However, she also conceded that not all aspects of the crime have been disclosed to her, a point prosecutors highlighted in arguing the brothers still haven’t fully come clean.
New DA Opposes Resentencing
The resentencing was not without controversy.
Current Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who replaced Gascón after defeating him in November, opposed the move and sought to reverse the petition.
He described the brothers’ original claims of self-defense as part of a “litany of lies.”
Following Tuesday’s decision, Hochman released a statement calling the case “a window for the public to better understand the judicial system.”
“Our office’s motions ensured that the Court was presented with all the facts before making such a consequential decision,” he said.
Hochman also cited a recent risk assessment — conducted as part of the brothers’ separate clemency application — that found they posed a “moderate” risk to the community if released.
The assessment noted both had possessed contraband mobile phones in prison, with Erik found in possession as recently as January 2025.
Parallel Path: Clemency Bid Still Pending
In addition to pursuing resentencing, the brothers are also seeking clemency from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The clemency track, which is separate from the resentencing process, allows Newsom to grant a pardon or commute their sentences at any time.
Their next court appearance in the clemency matter is scheduled for 13 June. The risk assessment prepared for Newsom’s office may weigh heavily on that decision.
For now, Erik and Lyle Menendez — once reviled for one of the most sensationalised crimes of the 20th century — stand at the threshold of a new chapter.
Whether they will walk free again remains uncertain, but for the first time in 35 years, they are allowed to hope.
