Kyle and Lyle Menéndez could be released under new sentence
The parole process will begin with a hearing on June 13, where the brothers must demonstrate that they do not pose a risk to society in order to obtain approval from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Kyle and Lyle Menéndez, convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, have been resentenced by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic. According to Jesic, the brothers no longer pose an "unreasonable risk" if released from prison.
The new sentence sets their conviction at 50 years to life, following the recommendation of former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón. The decision goes against the position of Nathan Hochman, who opposed the resentencing.
Since 2018, the Menéndez brothers have been housed at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, marking the first time they were reunited after being incarcerated at separate facilities for more than a decade.
Menéndez brothers now eligible for parole
Judge Jesic's decision makes Erik (54) and Lyle (57) Menéndez eligible to apply for parole. Under their previous sentences, they were not allowed to do so. Over the past three decades, they filed multiple applications, all denied due to their life sentences without parole.
However, gaining parole won’t be easy. The process begins with a hearing on June 13th, during which the brothers must convince the Board of Parole Hearings that they no longer pose a threat to society. Even if the board agrees, their release still requires approval from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The brothers have already submitted a clemency application directly to Governor Newsom. However, this application will not be considered during the June 13th hearing, creating two possible pathways to their release after more than 30 years behind bars.
Menéndez TV shows bring renewed attention
The Netflix series "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story", released last year and created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, reignited public interest in the case. The show sparked widespread support on social media, with numerous accounts advocating for the brothers’ release.
Supportive groups for the siblings are following their case and asking for their freedom. (Photo: AFP News)
More recently, the Peacock documentary "Menudo + Menéndez: Boys Betrayed" featured a declaration from a former member of the boy band Menudo, alleging sexual abuse by José Menéndez, the father of Erik and Lyle. The brothers have pointed to this testimony as new evidence, framing it as a potential third basis for their bid for freedom.
