Lyle and Erik Menendez just took a big step towards freedom. The notorious duo have spent the last 35 years behind bars after being convicted of the murders of their wealthy parents in their Beverly Hills home. Since then there’s been a long-running debate as to why: did they callously murder them for an inheritance, or were they driven to it by years of abuse?
Whatever the truth, there’s now light at the end of the tunnel. California judge Michael Jesic has ruled that their sentences be reduced from life without the possibility of parole to 50 years to life. As the two committed their crime under the age of 26, this means they’re instantly eligible for California’s “youthful offender law”.
Naturally, being eligible for parole doesn’t guarantee you’ll get it, but Judge Jesic thinks they should be considered: “I’m not saying they should be released; it’s not for me to decide. I do believe they’ve done enough in the past 35 years, that they should get that chance.”
Their defense attorney, Mark Geragos sounds optimistic about their future. He singled out the judge for praise, saying: “I want to do a hat tip to Judge Jesic, who was able to cancel out all the noise surrounding this, all of the grandstanding, all of the political back and forth — he did what justice said should happen.”
He continued by underlining he wholeheartedly believes the brothers have served an appropriate punishment and are fully rehabilitated: “The fact is, the Menendez brothers have done remarkable work, and today is a great day after 35 years. … On a day like today, redemption is possible.”
Are they safe to release?
Erik Menendez is now 54 and Lyle Menendez is 57 and, by all accounts, they’ve been model prisoners. The two have started programs in prison to help other inmates that have been dubbed “Menendez University”, which help others on the road to rehabilitation. The court heard emotional testimony from former inmate Anerae Brown, who cried as he said, “without Lyle and Erik I might still be sitting in there doing stupid things.”
The two have also led efforts to aid elderly and disabled inmates. Former judge Jonathan Colby reviewed their activities in prison and sang their praises, saying: “There’s not many prisoners I meet like Erik and Lyle that have such concern for the elderly.”
And, importantly, their family has forgiven them and is waiting to welcome them to freedom. Their cousin Anamaria Baralt testified on behalf of the Menendez family, saying: “We all, on both sides of the family, believe that 35 years is enough. They are universally forgiven by our family.”
Right now, things are looking good for the Menendez brothers. Their legal teams are doubtless hard at work preparing their parole applications, which may be expedited due to the high-profile nature of the case. Their fate now depends on the parole board members, but it’s looking likely they’ll be back home within the year.
Published: May 14, 2025 03:27 am