Judge Reduces Sentences of Menendez Brothers, Opening Door to Possible Parole -

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14 May USA: In a historic ruling, a Los Angeles judge has resentenced Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were convicted of killing their parents in 1989, to 50 years to life, putting them in line for parole after more than three decades behind bars.

The Menendez brothers, aged 18 and 21 when they committed the crime, have spent more than 30 years of a life sentence without parole for the savage shotgun murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez in their Beverly Hills estate.

Judge Michael Jesic recognized the gravity of their offenses but relied on new guidelines for sentencing and the brothers’ “miraculous” attempts at reform for justifying the lesser sentence. The ultimate decision regarding their parole will now lie with the California State Parole Board, which will conduct a hearing next month.

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During trial, the two brothers made tearful and emotional pleas in court to show profound regret for what they did.

I had to get out of being selfish and childish in order to truly grasp what my parents experienced in those final moments,” said Erik Menendez, now 54, describing the confusion and betrayal his parents experienced when their sons betrayed them with lethal violence.

His older brother, Lyle Menendez, 57, fought back tears as he spoke about how their crime affected surviving family members: “I lied to you and forced you into a spotlight of public humiliation.”

The brothers also expressed their desire to help victims of sex abuse and guide other prisoners if they are released, pointing to their efforts in prison on educational programs and hospice care.

Several members of the family, including cousin Anamaria Baralt, spoke in favor of the resentencing, describing the last three decades as “a nightmare” and asking the court to provide them with “a second chance at life.”

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Other witnesses who spoke in favor of the brothers were a retired judge from Florida and rapper Anerae “X-Raided” Brown, who attributed Erik and Lyle with reforming and reintegrating him after prison.

The Menendez case, also extensively documented in books and documentaries, is still greatly polarizing. During the initial trials, the brothers had alleged that they murdered their parents in self-defense after years of supposed sexual and emotional abuse—a claim that divided public opinion and observers in the courtroom.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office continues to oppose their release, arguing the brothers have never fully accepted responsibility and have maintained a “litany of lies” since the murders.

However, defense attorney Mark Geragos called Tuesday’s ruling “a great day,” telling reporters, “We’re one huge step closer to bringing the boys home.”

The parole board will now decide if Erik and Lyle Menendez are ready to be released. The hearing is scheduled to occur within the next few weeks and may signal a significant turn in a case that has been decades old and still enthralls and polarizes America.

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