Menendez Brothers Face Historic Parole Hearings After 35 Years

Erik and Lyle Menendez, convicted in 1996 for the 1989 murders of their parents, are appearing before a California parole board for hearings this week after a judge resentenced them to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole. The brothers, who claimed they killed their parents following years of abuse, including alleged sexual abuse by their father, will need to fully disclose the details of the crime and demonstrate personal growth to stand a chance at release. Their family and supporters remain cautiously optimistic, highlighting the brothers' remorse, good behavior in prison, and support from correctional officers, although they acknowledge the parole process is stringent. The parole board will evaluate the risk the brothers may pose to society if released, considering their criminal history, motives, remorse, prison conduct, and future plans. Even if granted parole, the decision must be reviewed and affirmed by Governor Gavin Newsom, who has the final authority to approve or reject their release. The hearings mark the closest the Menendez brothers have come to freedom since their convictions nearly 30 years ago.