After numerous delays, Erik and Lyle Menendez may be nearing a decision on their potential release. The brothers have been imprisoned for over 30 years for the 1989 murder of their parents and have been waiting since October for a hearing regarding a prosecutor’s suggestion to reduce their sentences to 50 years to life from life without parole. If Judge Michael Jesic approves this recommendation following a two-day hearing starting Tuesday, Erik, 54, and Lyle, 57, could become eligible for parole right away. The decision has faced challenges both inside and outside the courtroom, sparking a heated debate on what constitutes rehabilitation for individuals convicted of first-degree murder.
Former Los Angeles County district attorney George Gascón, who proposed the resentencing, highlighted the brothers’ positive behavior in prison, such as completing college courses, initiating a green space project at their facility, and assisting inmates with disabilities. Additionally, Gascón referenced a state law that considers the age of offenders at the time of their crimes, advocating for a chance at parole for those under 26, as the brain’s behavior control center is deemed fully mature at this age. Lyle was 21 and Erik was 18 when they killed their parents.
Gascón’s stance has garnered support from notable figures and family members of the victims, who believe in the brothers’ potential for rehabilitation. However, Gascón was replaced by Nathan Hochman, who has taken a different stance on the case after reviewing extensive records and transcripts. Hochman expressed doubts about the brothers’ remorse and moved to withdraw Gascón’s recommendation, citing numerous alleged lies told by Erik and Lyle, including their claim of self-defense during the murders.
During their original trial in the 1990s, Lyle testified that they killed their parents after confronting their father about the sexual abuse of Erik, leading to a confrontation. The brothers argued for an “imperfect self-defense” legal doctrine, while prosecutors viewed the murders as premeditated. The situation remains unresolved as the legal proceedings continue.
He shot his mother in the face for financial gain, leading to a mistrial when the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. Lyle chose not to testify in the second trial after authorities intercepted letters revealing his attempts to manipulate witnesses, including asking a girlfriend to falsely accuse his father of sexual assault. The California Supreme Court ruled against the brothers’ claim of imperfect self-defense, and they were ultimately convicted of first-degree murder on March 20, 1996.
In a resentencing hearing, accusations flew between the prosecution and the defense, with the deputy district attorney criticizing the brothers for their array of excuses and lies. The defense attorney, Mark Geragos, accused the prosecution of bias and sought the removal of the district attorney from the case, which was later withdrawn.
Recent psychological evaluations conducted for a clemency request to Governor Gavin Newsom indicated that the brothers posed a moderate risk of violence if released. Despite this, Geragos argued that the evaluations did not reveal serious felony crimes that would warrant denying their resentencing bid and defended the brothers’ progress over 35 years.
If resentencing is denied, the brothers still have options for seeking freedom through clemency or a petition challenging their convictions for a new trial.
