Los Angeles Judge Reduces Menendez Brothers Sentences, Parole Eligibility Nears

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic has reduced the sentences of Erik and Lyle Menendez from life without parole to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole under California's youthful offender law. The brothers, convicted in 1996 for the 1989 murders of their parents, have argued they acted in self-defense after enduring years of abuse by their father. The ruling allows them to appear before the parole board, with a hearing potentially occurring as soon as June, which may coincide with their clemency petition review by Governor Gavin Newsom. Jesic emphasized that while he believes the brothers deserve a chance at parole due to their rehabilitation over 35 years, the ultimate decision rests with the parole board and the governor. The high-profile case remains divisive, reignited by recent media portrayals and new evidence supporting the brothers' claims of abuse. If parole is granted, it will mark a significant shift after decades of incarceration, but multiple legal hurdles remain before they can be released.