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Sacramento, California – Erik and Lyle Menendez may be closer than ever to walking free after more than three decades behind bars, following California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision Thursday to withdraw a request for clemency investigations into their case. The move effectively transforms the brothers’ upcoming clemency hearing into a parole suitability hearing, offering them their first real shot at early release.
The Menendez brothers, now in their 50s, were convicted in 1996 of murdering their parents, José and Mary Louise Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home in 1989. The initial sentence for the brothers was life without parole. However, on Tuesday, L.A. County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic resentenced them to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole under California’s youthful offender law, which applies to individuals convicted of crimes committed before age 26.
Their attorney, Mark Geragos, hailed Newsom’s move as a significant development. “We are hopeful that the governor will write the final chapter in the brothers’ release,” he said.
A parole hearing is now scheduled for June 13. If a panel of commissioners finds them suitable for release, a 90-day review process will follow. Gov. Newsom can approve or reject the parole board’s recommendation. “I’m the ultimate arbiter,” Newsom said earlier this week, noting he generally respects the board’s judgment but reserves the right to intervene.
At Tuesday’s resentencing hearing, both brothers expressed remorse. “My actions were criminal, selfish, cruel and cowardly,” Erik Menendez said. “I have no excuse… I take full responsibility.” Lyle echoed similar sentiments, apologizing to the nearly two dozen family members affected. “I’m so sorry to each and every one of you,” he said.
The parole hearing comes amid a broader shift in California toward restorative justice. Former L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón, who pushed for the resentencing before leaving office, argued the brothers had been victims of long-term abuse. District Attorney Nathan Hochman’s successor opposed the resentencing and said the Menendezes lacked true insight into their crimes.
Judge Jesic dismissed those objections, saying prosecutors failed to show the brothers posed an “unreasonable risk” to public safety.
Though the brothers also have a pending petition for a new trial based on fresh abuse allegations, including claims involving their father and a former Menudo band member, that effort is likely to pause as the parole process unfolds.
Still, experts caution that parole is far from guaranteed. “Many defendants who apply get denied,” said L.A. defense attorney Dmitry Gorin. “The commissioners will want to see genuine rehabilitation.”
