In a controversial and heavily scrutinized decision, a California judge resentenced Erik and Lyle Menendez, making them eligible for parole after serving 35 years for the brutal 1989 murders of their parents.
See the tweet below.
L.A. County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic made the controversial decision to resentence the brothers to 50 years to life, aligning with California’s lenient youthful offender law, as both were under 26 at the time of the murders.
The shocking decision opened the door for what many conservative observers see as California’s continued soft-on-crime approach.
The resentencing follows a growing campaign to free the brothers, who brutally murdered their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion.
Their defense has long claimed the killings were motivated by alleged sexual abuse by their father.
This claim prosecutors initially argued was fabricated to avoid justice for what they maintained was a financially motivated crime.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman opposed the resentencing, asserting the brothers had not demonstrated proper insight or atonement for their crimes.
He insisted their claims and rehabilitation “must be viewed with a critical eye.”
The case has recently received renewed attention through media coverage, including a Netflix documentary that sympathetically portrayed the brothers’ abuse claims.
This media spotlight has coincided with family members forming the “Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition” to advocate for their freedom.
During the hearing, both brothers expressed remorse via video call from prison.
Lyle Menendez stated, “Today, 35 years later, I am deeply ashamed of who I was.”
Erik similarly expressed regret, acknowledging, “I have no excuse, no justification, for what I did.”
🚨🇺🇸 MENENDEZ BROTHERS GET PAROLE ELIGIBILITY AFTER 35 YEARS, FAMILY SAYS "WELCOME HOME ANYTIME"
Judge Michael Jesic reduced Erik and Lyle Menendez's sentences from life without parole to 50 years to life, making them eligible for freedom after serving 35 years for their… https://t.co/M5Hue82c4N pic.twitter.com/yqUAIhjoi7
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 14, 2025
The event follows the agenda of former progressive District Attorney George Gascón, who had opened the door to resentencing before being voted out of office.
Gascón cited “modern understandings” of abuse and trauma–language often used to justify leniency toward violent criminals in California’s justice system.
Troublingly, preliminary risk assessments indicated the brothers might be “moderately more likely” to engage in violence if released.
Despite these concerns, Judge Jesic was reportedly swayed by letters from prison guards and family members pleading for their release.
The brothers’ parole hearing is expected in the coming months, with a parole board clemency recommendation due by June 13.
If approved, it would put their fate in the hands of Governor Gavin Newsom, whose administration has been criticized for its revolving-door approach to criminal justice.
Defense attorney Mark Geragos celebrated the decision by proclaiming, “On a day like today, redemption is possible.”
Yet for many Americans who believe in justice for victims, this case represents another example of California’s legal system prioritizing criminals’ rehabilitation over the finality of justice for the heinous taking of human life.
As parole hearings loom, the outcome remains uncertain, though there is no doubt it will be closely watched by supporters and critics alike.
