So it was big news when a California judge decided recently to commute the sentences of Erik and Lyle Menendez. They are currently serving life sentences without the chance for parole for the murder of their parents in 1989. On Thursday, Judge Michael Jesic did something remarkable. He granted the Menendez brothers eligibility for parole under California’s youthful offender law, which provides parole board access to individuals who committed crimes before turning 26.
At the time of the murders, Erik was only 18 years old and Lyle was 21. But the brothers have always maintained their innocence. They maintain they were simply reacting in self-defense after years of sexual, psychological, and physical abuse from their now deceased parents, José and Kitty Menendez. Their legal team worked tirelessly to represent them and presented evidence during the resentencing hearing that illustrated the trauma they suffered as children.
In recent years, Erik and Lyle Menendez have pursued their freedom through various legal channels. Perhaps more importantly, the vast majority have shown tremendous personal growth behind bars. Both brothers graduated college, with Erik finishing his last semester with A+ grades. They’ve really taken lead and mentorship positions within the prison. They extend compassion and assistance to their incarcerated peers, particularly to vulnerable elderly or disabled inmates.
Anamaria Baralt, a cousin of Erik and Lyle Menendez, testifying at the Menendez brothers’ post-conviction hearing. She told them how she’s come to believe that both brothers sincerely regret their roles in the crime.
“We all, on both sides of the family, believe that 35 years is enough.” – Anamaria Baralt
The Menendez brothers’ defense attorneys maintained that their killings were the result of a desperate need to flee an abusive household. The court was clearly moved, especially when taking testimony from former inmates. They discussed the dramatic change Erik and Lyle had made in their lives during their time in prison. Anerae Brown, showing how they supported his reintegration to a more constructive life after his own jail time.
“I have children now. Without Lyle and Erik I might still be sitting in there doing stupid things.” – Anerae Brown
Jonathan Colby, one of those inmates, emphasized their unexpected empathy towards others on the inside.
“There’s not many prisoners I meet like Erik and Lyle that have such concern for the elderly.” – Jonathan Colby
Following the judge’s decision to reduce their sentences to 50 years to life, Erik and Lyle Menendez now face the potential of parole, but they must first obtain approval from the state’s parole board. In her decision reducing Kenneth’s sentence, Judge Jesic conceded that both brothers had committed their crimes at a young age. This important piece of info had a major impact on their parole eligibility.
Lyle Menendez on the witness stand in his new hearing, speaking with a truth that hurts to describe what he did to his parents.
“I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses and also no justification.” – Lyle Menendez
He went on to explain the permanent effect his violent crime has had on his family, saying it is “incalculable.”
Erik and Lyle Menendez await their fate with the parole board. Supporters feel that, given the chance, these brothers will give back to society if they are released. Another cousin, Tamara Goodell, an advocate for mental health care, said she sees bright futures ahead for them.
“They would contribute a lot of good to the world if released.” – Tamara Goodell