The Menendez Brothers, Erik and Lyle Menendez, who committed their crimes aged 21 and 18, have been resentenced after serving 35 years in prison. This resentencing is a step forward towards their release.
They’ve been serving life sentences
The siblings have been serving life sentences after being convicted of killing both of their parents.
The Menendez brothers’ case was brought back into the public consciousness after Netflix released the documentary Monsters: The Menendez Brothers.
They’ve explained why they did it
According to the brothers, they killed their father, Jose, for sexually abusing them for years, and claim they killed their mother, Kitty, for knowing about it and staying silent all those years.
Their sentences have been reduced
After having spent 35 years in prison, Erik and Lyle Menendez’s resentencing has reduced their sentences down to a range between 50 years and a life sentence.
This means they could be considered for parole as soon as next month.
They had apologized about their crimes
Both brothers have since apologized for their crimes. Erik Menendez, told the court, “I had to stop being selfish and immature to really understand what my parents went through in those last moments.”
Lyle has also since apologized to their family, saying, “I lied to you and forced you into a spotlight of public humiliation.”
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Their conduct in prison was discussed
During the recent hearing, the brothers’ conduct within the prison was discussed, with witnesses crediting them for help within the place.
The brothers are said to have completed educational courses, helped inmates with severe disabilities and set up a green space in the prison as a ‘beautification’ project.
They’re now being considered for parole
The California parole board has already been considering the brothers for parole following a request from Governor Gavin Newsom. The brothers are now being considered for a hearing with them.
The pair had requested clemency, which Newsom has been considering and it would come in the form of a reduced sentence or it could even be a pardon.
