What did Erik and Lyle Menendez do and when could they be released?

August 23, 2025

The Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989 and sentenced to life without parole in 1996, were recently denied parole despite becoming eligible following a resentencing hearing in May 2025. Both Erik (54) and Lyle (57) were rejected by separate parole boards in August, with officials citing public safety concerns, the brutal nature of their crimes, and ongoing behavioral issues despite their expressed remorse. Their case has received renewed public attention following Netflix's 2024 drama series "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story," which prompted debate about their claims of parental abuse and divided public opinion on whether they deserve clemency.

Who is affected

Lyle and Erik Menendez (currently 57 and 54 years old)
The extended Menendez family members who supported their resentencing
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials
The public following the case, including a new generation exposed to it through Netflix
Celebrities advocating for the brothers' release (Kim Kardashian, Rosie O'Donnell)

What action is being taken

California Governor Gavin Newsom is examining a request to offer the brothers clemency
The brothers are serving their sentences after being denied parole in August
The case is receiving renewed public attention and debate following Netflix's dramatization
Family members are speaking out against the Netflix portrayal, calling it a "grotesque shockadrama"

Why it matters

The case represents ongoing debates about rehabilitation, punishment, and the consideration of childhood trauma in criminal sentencing
The resentencing made the brothers eligible for parole under California's youthful offender law, which allows those who committed crimes before age 26 to seek reduced sentences
The Netflix series has introduced the case to a new generation, significantly influencing public perception with over 12 million views in its first weekend
The brothers' claims of parental abuse versus prosecutors' arguments about inheritance motives continue to divide public opinion about appropriate justice

What's next

The brothers can try for parole again in three years, which could be reduced to 18 months with good behavior
Governor Newsom will make a decision on their clemency request

Read full article from source: BBC