A Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Resentenced the Menendez Brothers to 50 Years to Life

Brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez have been in prison since their initial arrest in March 1990. The case of the now infamous Menendez brothers caught the attention of an entire nation when the two wealthy boys from Beverly Hills stood trial for the murder of their parents. In August 1989, Erik and Lyle shot José and Kitty Menendez a total of 16 times while they were watching television. The couple was unarmed and seemingly not dangerous, but their sons told a different story.

Their defense rested largely on allegations of sexual abuse by their father, claiming the murders were committed in self-defense. After two hung juries, a third jury convicted them both. Since then, newly discovered evidence supporting the brothers' abuse claims prompted their attorneys to file a habeas corpus. This allowed them to challenge their imprisonment in court. Despite massive pushback from Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman, the Menendez brothers have been resentenced.

Despite DA Hochman's multiple attempts to stop Erik and Lyle Menendez's resentencing hearing, it finally happened on May 13, 2025. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic heard evidence from relatives and friends of the brothers, as well as prison staff, who spoke of the progress Erik and Lyle have made while incarcerated.

They went into detail about the "educational courses they completed and programs they created to improve the lives of inmates, including a hospice initiative for the elderly and sick," reported the BBC. Relatives begged Judge Jesic to free Erik and Lyle while explaining how much they have changed. Erik and Lyle's cousin, who has known them since they were children, said, "They are very different men from the boys they were," said Anamaria Baralt.

Prosecutors pointed out how Erik and Lyle lied to police following the murders. Baralt addressed this, telling the judge they have both taken "ownership of their actions." She went on to say that Lyle expressed remorse about asking a witness to lie during their previous trial. By the end of the day, Judge Jesic said he was impressed by what the brothers have done and resentenced them to 50 years to life, which makes them immediately eligible for parole. It's now up to the California parole board.

On Oct. 3, 2024, former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced his office was reviewing the new evidence included in the habeas corpus. Three weeks later, in a press conference held on Oct. 24, Gascón said he was going to recommend that Erik and Lyle Menendez be resentenced. Due to the ages of Erik and Lyle at the time of the murders, they are eligible for youthful parole, which would free the brothers immediately.

In November 2024, Gascón lost his bid for re-election which meant his previous recommendation did not have to be honored by the new District Attorney. Nathan Hochman took office on Dec. 2 and stated he wanted to review the Menendez brothers' case before making any decisions. According to the Los Angeles Times, in March 2025, Hochman "announced his opposition to their release" and asked a judge to rescind Gascón's petition, stating the brothers hadn't shown enough "insight" into their crimes.

DA Hochman went on what can only be described as a crusade against the Menendez brothers' freedom. According to CNN, the district attorney said Erik and Lyle's allegations of abuse were "fabricated" and showed a "lack of acceptance of responsibility for their murderous actions." In return, their family said DA Hochman was essentially holding them hostage and was sending a message to boys and men that they wouldn't be believed.

Following Judge Jesic's decision to resentence Erik and Lyle, DA Hochman released a statement saying it was a "monumental one that has significant implications for the families involved, the community, and the principles of justice." He then praised his team for working "tirelessly to guarantee that the Court was presented with a complete and factual narrative."