Erik and Lyle Menendez have for the first time publicly admitted to murdering their parents after more than three decades behind bars. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic has now made the brothers eligible for parole for the murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez, who were shot dead in their Beverly Hills home in 1989.
In a Los Angeles courtroom, Lyle Menendez said: “On Aug. 20, 1989, I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses and also no justification.” His brother Erik added: “You did not deserve what I did to you, but you inspire me to do better.” The statement marked a turning point in a case that has captivated the American public since the brothers opened fire on their parents with shotguns in the family’s living room. Both were convicted of murder in 1996 and sentenced to life without parole.
Judge Jesic has now reduced their sentences to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible to appear before the parole board. The decision came after prosecutors dropped their opposition and declined to present further evidence. A parole hearing has been scheduled for June 13.
Until now, Los Angeles County prosecutors had resisted resentencing efforts, arguing the brothers had not taken full responsibility. But during Tuesday’s hearing, they chose not to call any witnesses.
The judge said he had heard enough, issuing his ruling on the first day of what had been scheduled as a two-day hearing.
He added: “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.”
Family members who once supported the original sentence have since changed their position. Anamaria Baralt, the brothers’ cousin, told the court: “We all, on both sides of the family, believe that 35 years is enough. They are universally forgiven by our family.”
Diane Hernandez, another cousin, described the abuse she witnessed in the Menendez household. She said: “When Jose was with one of the boys…you couldn’t even go up the stairs to be on the same floor.”
Defence lawyer Mark Geragos had asked the court to reduce the charges to manslaughter, which would have allowed for immediate release. The judge declined to go that far, but Mr Geragos said the resentencing was still a major step forward.
Mr Geragos said after the hearing: “They are a real family. Real people who have lived through unimaginable horrors. And I’m hopeful and glad that we’re one huge step closer to bringing the boys home.”
The judge also cited a letter from a senior prison official supporting the resentencing — something the official had never done for any inmate in 25 years.
Other witnesses included a retired judge and a former inmate, both of whom said the brothers had shown clear signs of rehabilitation and had helped others while in prison.
A clemency review ordered by California Governor Gavin Newsom is now underway, with the parole board assessment forming part of that process.
Mr Geragos said: “We have evolved. This is not the ’90s anymore. We have a more robust understanding of a lot of things.”