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Los Angeles, California – After months of delays, a long-awaited resentencing hearing began Tuesday for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who have served nearly three decades in prison for the 1989 murders of their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion.
The hearing, held in Los Angeles County Superior Court, could potentially shorten the brothers’ life-without-parole sentences to 50 years to life, which would make them eligible for parole under California’s youthful offender law. It’s possible that they could be released based on their ages at the time of the crime, which were respectively 18 and 21.
Judge Michael Jesic is expected to oversee two days of testimony before issuing a decision from the bench or in a written ruling later. If he grants a reduced sentence, the Menendez brothers would still need approval from the state’s parole board before they could be released.
Erik and Lyle Menendez were convicted in 1996 of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. Defense attorneys argued at trial that the brothers acted in self-defense after enduring years of sexual abuse at the hands of their father. Prosecutors, however, claimed they murdered for financial gain, pointing to the multimillion-dollar estate they stood to inherit.
The case has captivated the public for more than 30 years, with renewed attention fueled by the Netflix drama Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and the documentary The Menendez Brothers. Supporters have traveled from across the country in recent months to attend rallies and hearings.
Defense attorney Mark Geragos has indicated he may ask the court to reduce the charges to manslaughter, which could lead to the brothers’ immediate release. Geragos said at least seven family members will testify in support of the Menendez brothers, who are appearing virtually. Their extended family, aside from one deceased uncle, has expressed forgiveness and supports their release.
Current Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who succeeded George Gascón, is opposing resentencing, citing a lack of full accountability from the brothers. Prosecutors argue they have not accepted responsibility for lying at trial or fully admitted guilt.
Hochman also referenced findings from a state-ordered forensic psychological evaluation, which concluded the brothers are “moderately more likely” than others to commit violence if released. The judge has allowed some parts of the report to be included in the proceedings, despite defense objections.
Hochman stated outside court Tuesday, “Our position is not ‘no,’ not ‘never’ — it’s ‘not yet.’”
If resentenced, the Menendez brothers may finally get a chance at parole — and possibly freedom — after nearly 30 years behind bars.
