Resentencing Hearing Begins for Erik and Lyle Menendez \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Erik and Lyle Menendez, imprisoned for killing their parents in 1989, appeared virtually for their resentencing hearing in Los Angeles. Supporters, including family members and a former judge, testified to their rehabilitation. A final ruling could shorten their life sentences and make them parole-eligible.
Quick Looks
- Erik and Lyle Menendez appeared virtually for resentencing hearing.
- Family members testified the brothers are reformed and remorseful.
- Prosecutors argue the brothers haven’t accepted full responsibility.
- A reduced sentence could make them eligible for parole.
- Former judge and inmate praised their rehabilitation efforts.
- The original sentence was life without parole for killing parents.
- Defense requests time served based on youthful offender status.
- Netflix series reignited public interest in the decades-old case.
Deep Look
More than 30 years after they were convicted of killing their parents in one of America’s most sensational murder cases, Erik and Lyle Menendez appeared virtually in a Los Angeles courtroom for a resentencing hearing that could determine if they ever leave prison.
Now 53 and 56 years old, the Menendez brothers sat motionless for much of the livestreamed hearing on Tuesday, only showing emotion when a cousin, Diane Hernandez, shared that Erik had earned straight A’s in his most recent college semester behind bars. The hearing is part of a renewed legal effort seeking to reduce their life sentences without parole, arguing that the brothers are no longer a danger to society.
Revisiting a Case That Gripped the Nation
Convicted in 1996 for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion, the brothers have served nearly three decades in prison. Prosecutors at the time portrayed the killings as a premeditated plot to inherit millions. The defense claimed the crime stemmed from years of sexual and physical abuse by their father.
The case drew intense media coverage, and renewed interest surged last year following Netflix’s “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” and a follow-up documentary. Supporters have rallied behind the brothers, citing their age at the time of the crime — 18 and 21 — and their reported transformation behind bars.
Testimony From Family and Fellow Inmates
Tuesday’s hearing opened with emotional testimony from family members, who said they believed the brothers had changed and should be granted a chance at freedom.
Ana Maria Baralt, a 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.”
Another cousin, Tamara Goodell, testified she recently brought her 13-year-old son to visit the brothers in prison, saying they’ve become mentors and deserve another chance.
Hernandez, who lived with the Menendez family as a teen, testified again — as she did during the original trial — about the abuse and strict household rules, including the so-called “hallway rule,” where family members weren’t allowed on the same floor when Jose was with one of the boys.
A Fight for Resentencing and Possible Parole
The Menendez brothers’ defense team is seeking a reduction to 50-years-to-life, which under California’s youthful offender law, could make them eligible for parole due to their age at the time of the killings.
Defense attorney Mark Geragos said he ultimately wants the charges reduced to manslaughter and for the court to consider time served, allowing the brothers to be released immediately.
“The goal here is rehabilitation,” Geragos told reporters. “This is not about relitigating the crime, no matter what the D.A. wants.”
At least seven family members are expected to testify during the ongoing hearings, supporting the claim that Erik and Lyle have matured and atoned for their actions.
Voices of Support from the Justice System
Jonathan Colby, a former judge known for being “tough on crime,” told the court he was impressed by the Menendez brothers’ initiatives to help fellow inmates, especially the elderly and disabled.
“There aren’t many prisoners I’ve met who show the same level of concern for others,” Colby said.
Anerae Brown, a former inmate and artist, broke down in tears as he testified how the brothers helped him heal and rehabilitate. He credited their prison support group, nicknamed “Menendez University,” for setting him on a path to freedom.
“I might still be sitting in there doing stupid things,” he said. “But now I have a family. I have children.”
A Divided Prosecutorial Approach
The resentencing petition originally came from former District Attorney George Gascón, who argued the case would be handled differently today, given modern understandings of childhood trauma and sexual abuse. He said the brothers’ conduct over 30 years in prison demonstrated they were ready for release.
However, new DA Nathan Hochman has reversed course. He told the court Tuesday that the brothers have not taken full responsibility and cited a forensic psychologist’s analysis indicating they may still pose a moderate risk of violence. Hochman’s office also referenced a cellphone smuggling incident as evidence of continued rule-breaking.
“Our position isn’t ‘never,’” Hochman said. “It’s ‘not yet.’”
Despite two attempts to withdraw the resentencing petition, Judge Michael Jesic has allowed the process to proceed. Jesic may rule from the bench or issue a written decision in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead
Whether Erik and Lyle Menendez will walk free again rests not only on the court’s judgment, but also on the California parole board. If resentenced, the board will determine if the brothers are fit to reenter society.
Supporters argue their transformation is clear, their remorse genuine, and their punishment already extensive. Critics contend they have yet to fully confront their actions.
For now, the courtroom remains the stage for the final act of one of the most famous murder cases in modern American history — with the world once again watching.
Resentencing Hearing Begins Resentencing Hearing Begins
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