LOS ANGELES, CA (Headline News USA) (Copyright © 2025) — A Los Angeles judge has officially resentenced Erik and Lyle Menendez, reducing their life without parole sentence to 50 years to life for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.

The decision, handed down by Judge Michael Jesic on Tuesday evening following hours of testimony, makes the brothers eligible for parole after serving 35 years of their sentence. They are scheduled to appear before the California parole board on June 13, with any board recommendation forwarded to Governor Gavin Newsom.

Jesic stated the outcome now rests with the “parole board and the governor,” according to FOX 11 Los Angeles.

Sentence Reduced, Special Circumstances Dropped

The judge struck the special circumstances that originally resulted in life without the possibility of parole. While the family and defense had hoped for a manslaughter ruling—potentially leading to immediate release—they still welcomed the reduction as a significant step forward.

Attorney Mark Geragos, who represented the brothers, thanked Judge Jesic and praised the transformation of his clients over the past three decades. “This is one of the most remarkable, and he used that term ‘remarkable,’ transformations,” Geragos said. “While the crime was truly horrific and remarkable, the 35 years since, what they have accomplished is remarkable in with no hope.”

Emotional Testimony and Family Support

Both Erik and Lyle Menendez appeared via video during the hearing, apologizing for their crimes and expressing remorse to relatives. Several family members testified on their behalf, urging the court to recognize the brothers’ rehabilitation.

Anamaria Baralt, a cousin, spoke outside the courthouse, saying, “Ultimately, we are here today with this result because of Erik and Lyle, because they chose to live their lives with clarity and a purpose of service. A huge thanks to them, too, for being the kind of people that we could bring home.”

In court, Baralt testified, “We believe that 35 years is enough. They are universally forgiven by our family. They deserve a second chance at life.”

She also spoke about the trauma the family has endured over the decades, calling it “torture” to live through the ongoing public attention.

Baralt further emphasized the brothers’ efforts while incarcerated, saying they’ve contributed to rehabilitation and hospice programs and would serve as advocates for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, which the brothers allege they experienced from their father.

“They are incredible people,” Baralt said. “The work they have done has been inspiring and I hope they have a chance to inspire the world. … They are not the same people they were 35 years ago.”

Tamara Goodell, another cousin, told the court the brothers “have made every possible effort to rehabilitate themselves. … They now see the world through 35 years of healing. They have created careers for themselves in prison.”

Diane Hernandez, niece of Kitty Menendez, also testified in support. She called them “remarkable human beings” and said, “There is absolutely no chance that they would break the law (if released). Their only desire is to do good.”

She described the possibility of their release as a “miracle.”

District Attorney Hochman Responds

Following the resentencing, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman issued a statement reiterating his office’s opposition. “Our office’s motions to withdraw the resentencing motion filed by the previous administration ensured that the Court was presented with all the facts before making such a consequential decision,” Hochman said.

“This case, like all cases — especially those that captivate the public — must be viewed with a critical eye,” he continued. “Our opposition and analysis ensured that the Court received a complete and accurate record of the facts. Justice should never be swayed by spectacle.”

Hochman has stated previously that he does not support resentencing the brothers and believes they have failed to show genuine insight into their crimes. He also maintains they have not been truthful about the alleged abuse.

Last week, attorneys for the Menendez brothers withdrew a motion to remove the DA’s office from the case in an effort to move forward quickly with their resentencing request.

Background

Erik and Lyle Menendez were convicted for the August 20, 1989 shooting deaths of their parents in the family’s Beverly Hills home. The original sentence handed down was life without the possibility of parole. The brothers have long maintained that the killings were driven by years of physical and sexual abuse by their father.

With the resentencing, the long-controversial case is now poised for a new phase. The parole hearing on June 13 will determine whether either brother may finally walk free after more than three decades in prison.

Image Credit:

These pictures are mugshots taken by the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California. – Instagram account page from journalist Robert Rand., Public Domain, Wikipedia