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The case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, convicted nearly three decades ago for the killings of their parents, has returned to court, presenting a potential opportunity for freedom.
Renewed public attention, partly due to the Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, has brought the case back into the spotlight. On October 24, 2024, former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón held a press conference to discuss the possible resentencing of the Menendez brothers. Despite Nathan Hochman succeeding Gascón and opposing a new trial, seeking to reverse the motion for resentencing, court proceedings are ongoing.
Hollywood Life offers the latest updates on Lyle and Erik Menendez’s resentencing.
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Resentencing Developments in the Menendez Brothers Case
In an October 24, 2024, press conference, former Los Angeles DA Gascón declared his decision to “move forward” with a review of the case involving Erik and Lyle Menendez. He also formally recommended their resentencing, suggesting they be immediately eligible for parole.
BREAKING: Los Angeles County DA recommends resentencing the Menendez brothers for the 1989 killings of their parents. https://t.co/5rQdUbS17D pic.twitter.com/xJcx3Wg2OB
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 24, 2024
Gascón clarified that resentencing under California law focuses on evaluating an inmate’s rehabilitation and suitability for safe community reintegration, rather than re-examining the original crime.
“There was no justification for murder,” Gascón stated, referring to the 1989 deaths of José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez. “Even in cases of abuse, the correct course is to contact law enforcement and seek assistance.” However, he acknowledged the desperation experienced by numerous abuse victims, especially women, who “after enduring years of battery…sometimes murder their abusers.”
“I believe they have served their debt to society,” Gascon concluded.
Legal Challenges and Continued Proceedings
The Menendez brothers were scheduled for a court hearing on March 20, 2025, to determine potential resentencing. However, DA Hochman announced his request to the court to deny Lyle and Erik’s motion for a new trial.
“Upon re-evaluation of the evidence, particularly the questionable 1988 letter allegedly from Erik Menendez to Andy Cano about sexual abuse, its validity is dubious within the context of prior inconsistencies,” Hochman stated.
Judge Michael Jesic convened an April 11 hearing, rescheduling the resentencing proceedings for April 17 and 18, 2025. Yet, on the scheduled hearing day, the prosecution argued for a risk assessment from the California Board of Parole Hearings, commissioned by Governor Gavin Newsom, as a prerequisite for further case progression. Consequently, a subsequent hearing is set for May 9.
Release Prospects for Lyle and Erik Menendez
The timeline for the potential release of the Menendez brothers from prison remains uncertain.
At the time of their parents’ shooting in August 1989, Erik was 18, and Lyle was 21. They are currently 54 and 57 years old, respectively.
Menendez Brothers’ Financial Status
After more than three decades of incarceration, Lyle and Erik have reportedly depleted any prior wealth. Their current net worth is undisclosed.
Some individuals still maintain the belief that the brothers murdered their parents to inherit their fortune—an allegation both Lyle and Erik have refuted as inaccurate.
Motives Behind the Parents’ Murders and Abuse Allegations
Erik and Lyle have consistently asserted their reasons for the fatal shooting of their parents. During their trials in the 1990s, they detailed purported emotional, physical, and sexual abuse endured throughout their childhood. Specifically, they testified about José’s alleged actions against them during their youth.
Throughout the legal proceedings, defense attorney Leslie Abramson upheld Erik and Lyle’s accounts of alleged sexual abuse. Despite Judge Stanley Weisberg imposing life sentences without parole in 1996, District Attorney Gascón highlighted in October 2024 their subsequent rehabilitation efforts while incarcerated. Additionally, new evidence was presented to the court for review, including a pre-murder letter from Erik to his cousin Andy Cano expressing fear of José, and an allegation from former Menudo member Roy Rosselló, claiming sexual abuse by José during his minority.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). Trained staff are available to provide confidential, non-judgmental support and connect you with local resources for healing, recovery, and further assistance.