Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted in 1996 for the 1989 murders of their parents, are closer than ever to a potential release from prison. The brothers, sentenced to life without parole, have long maintained that years of sexual and physical abuse by their father, Jose Menendez, drove them to commit the crime. Decades later, new evidence and growing public support may lead to their release, with a resentencing hearing scheduled for January 2024.
Mark Geragos, the brothers' longtime attorney, remains optimistic. "By Jan. 30 or 31, we're hoping to get the brothers released," he told ABC News. The case has gained momentum with the emergence of two critical pieces of evidence: allegations by a former member of the boy band Menudo, who accused Jose Menendez of sexual abuse, and a letter Erik Menendez wrote to his cousin eight months before the murders, detailing the alleged abuse. These revelations have reignited calls for justice and prompted a reevaluation of their convictions.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic has rescheduled the next hearing to allow newly elected Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman to review the extensive case files. Hochman stated, "I look forward to thoroughly reviewing all the facts and the law to reach a fair and just decision and then defend it in court." This review will include transcripts from two trials, prison records, and testimony from family members.
The Menendez brothers' case has seen renewed interest in recent years, partly due to cultural phenomena like the Netflix miniseries Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which portrayed their upbringing and the abuse allegations. Public figures, including Kim Kardashian, have voiced support, arguing that the brothers have served enough time and should be given a chance to rebuild their lives.
The brothers are also pursuing clemency from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has stated he will defer his decision until after the district attorney's review. Former Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón had recommended reducing their sentences to 50 years to life, which would make them eligible for parole. However, Gascón's recent loss to Hochman has introduced new uncertainty into the case.
Family members have also taken to the courtroom to plead for leniency. During a recent hearing, Joan VanderMolen, the brothers' maternal aunt, delivered an emotional testimony. "No child should have to endure what Erik and Lyle had at the hands of their father," she said. "It breaks my heart that Kitty [Menendez] knew and did nothing about it." VanderMolen's account painted a harrowing picture of the brothers' upbringing, further supporting their claims of abuse.
While some remain skeptical of the brothers' motives, others see their release as an opportunity for redemption. Both Lyle and Erik have expressed a desire to continue the work they started in prison. Lyle launched a beautification project within the correctional facility, and Erik developed programs to help inmates transition back into society. Chandrika Kelso, a law professor who has collaborated with the brothers, stated, "Our fervent hope is that the brothers will continue to support their current projects from the outside and use their platform to expand on making prisons better."
Experts warn that the brothers' reintegration into society will not be without challenges. "Prison is easy. Reentry is very hard," said criminal justice expert Wendy Feldman, who has worked with Menendez family members. Feldman advised against engaging with the media immediately after their release, noting, "No press for at least a year." She also emphasized the importance of structure and community involvement to help the brothers rebuild their lives.
Erik and Lyle have expressed gratitude for the growing understanding of their case. "For the first time, I feel like it's a conversation where people now can understand and believe," Lyle said in a recent statement. Erik added, "Those horrible events bonded us in a way that will never be broken."
