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Menendez Brothers Case: Ages, Potential Resentencing, and Key Updates
Lyle and Erik Menendez, convicted in the infamous Menendez brothers murder case, continue to serve life sentences for the brutal killings of their parents on August 20, 1989. Three and a half decades later, the case has once again captivated public attention, spurred by the release of Ryan Murphy’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and a Netflix documentary featuring previously unreleased recordings. These recordings capture phone conversations between the brothers and director Alejandro Hartmann.
Renewed public interest in the Menendez case, coupled with long-standing allegations of sexual abuse initially barred from trial by Judge Stanley Weisberg, has presented a potential opportunity for Lyle and Erik Menendez to seek freedom. In early October 2024, former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced a review of the case, responding to a request from the brothers’ attorneys for a resentencing recommendation. Such a recommendation could potentially lead to their release; however, the recent transition to new District Attorney Nathan Hochman has resulted in a slight delay in this review process.
As the Menendez brothers’ case unfolds, this article delves into their ages at the time of the crime, their current ages, and the latest developments in their pursuit of potential resentencing.
Age at the Time of the Parricide: Lyle and Erik Menendez
In 1989, when they committed the parricide of José and Kitty Menendez in their Beverly Hills residence, Lyle Menendez was 21 years old, and Erik Menendez was 18. Their parents were in their 40s when they were killed.
Sentencing and Age: Menendez Brothers in 1996
In 1996, Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of first-degree murder for the deaths of their parents and received life sentences without the possibility of parole. At the time of sentencing, Lyle was 28 years old, and Erik was 25.
Erik Menendez discussed his experiences while incarcerated during a February 2025 appearance on TMZ’s podcast, “2 Angry Men.” Reflecting upon his early years in prison around age 29, he recounted, “I was picked on, violently bullied, and it was traumatic and continuous. Many inmates experience these issues in prison, particularly those who are not part of gang affiliations and are essentially alone. Prison can be challenging, filled with suffering… I chose not to retaliate or engage, and I lacked anyone to turn to for support, being separated from Lyle.”
Current Age of Lyle and Erik Menendez
As of 2025, Lyle Menendez is 57 years old, with a birth date of January 10, while Erik Menendez is 54, born on November 27.
Potential Resentencing for the Menendez Brothers
On November 25, 2024, Lyle and Erik Menendez made their first court appearance in 28 years to address new evidence pertaining to their case. This status conference hearing was not anticipated to yield immediate rulings but could influence future actions in their ongoing pursuit of release.
The hearing was set for 10:30 a.m. local time, with the brothers participating via video conference from their San Diego, California prison. Judge Michael Jesic enforced stringent regulations for the proceedings, prohibiting cameras in the courtroom and requiring all cell phones to be placed in sealed bags.
A resentencing hearing was initially scheduled for December 11, 2024, granting District Attorney Hochman additional time for case review. California Governor Gavin Newsom also announced a delay in his clemency decision, deferring to the incoming district attorney. Newsom stated his recognition that “voters have entrusted District Attorney-elect Hochman with this responsibility” and affirmed he “will defer to the DA-elect’s review and analysis of the Menendez case before making any clemency decisions.”
However, the December 2024 hearing was subsequently postponed. The Menendez brothers are now slated to reappear in court on March 20, 2025, for a hearing to decide on potential resentencing.
Prosecutors have submitted a resentencing recommendation that proposes a new sentence of 50 years to life for the brothers. Given they were under 26 years old at the time of the murders, a California law enacted in 2018 would make them immediately eligible for parole upon resentencing.
Sexual Abuse Allegations and the Menendez Case
According to reports from Variety, a previous court hearing for the Menendez brothers was scheduled for November 29, 2024, following the emergence of evidence suggesting sexual abuse of the brothers by their father, Jose Menendez.
Gascón stated, as reported by the outlet, “We have received evidence, including a photocopy of a letter purportedly sent by one of the brothers to a family member, detailing experiences of molestation.” He added, “We have also received evidence from the defense, including allegations from a former member of the Menudo band claiming molestation by their father.”
Roy Rosselló, a former member of the popular boy band Menudo, publicly alleged abuse by Jose Menendez in the 2023 Peacock documentary Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed, stating the abuse began when he was 14 years old and Jose Menendez was a music executive.
Resources for Support
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, please call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) for confidential, judgment-free support and local resources.
- SAMHSA National Helpline: For individuals struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).