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Malay Mail
14-05-2025
- Malay Mail
‘35 years is enough': Menendez brothers, convicted in 1992 for killing parents, could walk free after resentencing
LOS ANGELES, May 14 — Lyle and Erik Menendez, who have spent more than three decades behind bars for the grisly shotgun murders of their parents in the family's luxury Beverly Hills home, could soon walk free after a judge yesterday reduced their life sentences. The ruling came after an emotional court hearing in Los Angeles during which the men took full responsibility for the 1989 double killing. 'I do believe they've done enough over the last 35 years that one day they should get that chance' to be freed, Judge Michael Jesic said. Jesic reduced the men's original sentences of life without the possibility of parole to a term of 50 years to life. The time they have already spent behind bars means they are already eligible to apply for parole, with a hearing scheduled for next month. The pair have spent two years trying to get their sentences reduced, with a public campaign bolstered by celebrity support from the likes of Kim Kardashian and supercharged by the hit Netflix miniseries 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.' Blockbuster trials in the 1990s heard how the men killed Jose and Kitty Menendez in their Beverly Hills mansion, in what prosecutors said was a cynical attempt to get their hands on a large family fortune. This 1992 file photo shows double murder defendants Erik (R) and Lyle Menendez (L) during a court appearance in Los Angeles, California. — AFP pic After setting up alibis and trying to cover their tracks, the men shot Jose Menendez five times with shotguns, including in the kneecaps. Kitty Menendez died from a shotgun blast as she tried desperately to crawl away from her killers. The brothers initially blamed the deaths on a mafia hit, but changed their story several times in the ensuing months. Erik, then 18, confessed to the murders in a session with his therapist. The pair ultimately claimed they had acted in self-defence after years of emotional and sexual abuse at the hands of a tyrannical father. During their decades in prison, changing social mores and greater awareness of sexual abuse helped elevate the men to something approaching cultural icons, a status that was nourished by a parade of docudramas and TV miniseries. Legal hearings have been so popular that court managers used a lottery system for the public gallery. 'Full responsibility' Yesterday, Lyle Menendez, now aged 57, addressed the court via videolink, admitting he had murdered his parents. 'I take full responsibility for all my choices... the choice to point a gun at my mom and dad... the choice to reload... the choice to run and to hide and to do anything I could to get away,' he said, according to reporters who were in court. His brother, Erik, 54, told the court he had been wrong to take the law into his own hands and said his actions were cruel and cowardly. 'I have no excuse, no justification. I take full responsibility,' he said. 'I reached out to my brother for help and convinced him that we couldn't escape. 'I fired five rounds at my parents and went to get more ammunition. I lied to police, lied to my family. I am truly sorry.' The men's family had earlier pleaded with the judge to show mercy, showcasing the work they have done in prison, including working with terminally ill inmates. Anamaria Baralt, a cousin of Erik and Lyle Menendez, reacts while leaving the Van Nuys West Courthouse in Van Nuys, California May 13, 2025. — AFP pic Their cousin Anamaria Baralt told the hearing they were reformed and had earned their freedom. 'We believe that 35 years is enough,' she said. 'They are universally forgiven by our family. They deserve a second chance at life.' Diane Hernandez, niece of Kitty Menendez, said the brothers were 'remarkable human beings.' 'There is absolutely no chance that they would break the law' if released, she said. 'Their only desire is to do good.' Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman had opposed the resentencing, insisting that without a full accounting of the lies they had told — he said they gave five explanations for the murders — they should not be allowed out of prison. Under California law, if a parole board recommends the grant of parole for someone convicted of murder, Governor Gavin Newsom has the right to affirm, reverse or modify their decision. — AFP
Irish Times
14-05-2025
- Irish Times
Menendez brothers resentenced by California judge to be eligible for parole
A California judge has given Erik and Lyle Menendez, who had been sentenced to life in prison for the murders of their parents in their Beverly Hills home, a chance at freedom after 35 years behind bars. They were sentenced in 1996 to life in prison without the possibility of parole for murdering their father, Jose Menendez, and mother, Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home in 1989. Judge Michael Jesic shortened the brothers' sentences of life in prison without the possibility of parole to 50 years to life. They are now eligible for parole under California's youthful offender law because they committed the crime under the age of 26. They would still need approval from the state's parole board to be released. Their lawyers say they are immediately eligible for parole; however they will remain incarcerated while their parole status is decided. READ MORE 'I'm not saying they should be released; it's not for me to decide,' judge Jesic said. 'I do believe they've done enough in the past 35 years, that they should get that chance.' Erik and Lyle Menendez, now 54 and 57 years old, did not show any apparent emotion during most of the testimony as they appeared via liveslive-streamo from prison in San Diego, but chuckled when one of their cousins, Diane Hernandez, told the court that Erik Menendez received A+ grades in all of his classes during his most recent semester in college. The ruling capped a day-long hearing in which several relatives, a retired judge and a former fellow prisoner testified in support of defence efforts to shorten the brothers' sentence to time already served, or at least gaining their eligibility for parole. The defence on Tuesday began by calling Anamaria Baralt, a cousin of Erik and Lyle, who testified that the brothers have repeatedly expressed remorse for their actions. 'We all, on both sides of the family, believe that 35 years is enough,' Ms Baralt said. 'They are universally forgiven by our family.' Another cousin, Tamara Goodell, said she had recently taken her 13-year-old son to meet the brothers in prison, and that the brothers would contribute a lot of good to the world if released. Their defence attorneys said they feared their parents were going to kill them to cover up years of sexual, psychological and physical abuse they had suffered. Prosecutors portrayed the brothers as rich young men eager for their multimillion-dollar inheritance. Over the years they repeatedly appealed their convictions without success. But support for the brothers has grown significantly in recent years. Recently their chances for release appeared more hopeful than they had in decades as they sought freedom through multiple legal avenues, including by asking for a new trial in light of new evidence of their father's abuse, a petition for clemency from the governor, and the request for resentencing. The brothers, who were 18 and 21 at the time of the murders, have long argued their innocence and have recently sought freedom through multiple legal avenues, including asking for a new trial in light of new evidence of their father's abuse, a petition for clemency from the governor, and a request for resentencing. Their resentencing hearings have been delayed repeatedly since January amid the LA wildfires and disputes between the defence and prosecution. Los Angeles county prosecutors were opposed to resentencing, saying the brothers have not taken complete responsibility for the crime. 'I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses and also no justification,' Lyle said in a statement to the court on Tuesday. 'The impact of my violent actions on my family ... is unfathomable.' George Gascón, the progressive former Los Angeles county district attorney, had recommended the brothers be resentenced, which would have opened the door to their release. He said he believed the brothers were 'subjected to a tremendous amount' of dysfunction and molestation, and said his office would have handled the case differently due to modern understandings of sexual abuse. He also pointed to the brother's rehabilitation during their decades behind bars. In prison, Erik and Lyle have earned college degrees and served as mentors and caregivers. The current district attorney, Nathan Hochman, who succeeded Gascón, quickly reversed course and said he was opposed to the brothers' resentencing. He argued the brothers have not taken full responsibility and his office has said it does not believe they were abused. With Hochman in position as DA, prosecutors attempted twice to withdraw their office's resentencing petition. Judge Jesic ruled both times that the resentencing hearings could continue despite their opposition. Jonathan Colby, a former judge who said he considered himself tough on crime, told the court on Tuesday that he was impressed with the programmes the brothers started during their time in prison to provide aid and care for older and disabled prisoners. He got to know them over a series of prison visits. 'There's not many prisoners I meet like Erik and Lyle that have such concern for the elderly,' he said. Former prisoner Anerae Brown cried as he testified about how the brothers helped him heal and get on the path to rehabilitation, leading to his release from prison. He called the programmes they started 'Menendez University'. 'I have children now,' he said. 'Without Lyle and Erik I might still be sitting in there doing stupid things.' – Guardian, Associated Press
Fox News
14-05-2025
- Fox News
Menendez brothers resentenced as experts blast 'indefensible' bid for killers freedom
LOS ANGELES – In a bombshell decision, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic slashed the Menendez brothers' original life-without-parole terms to 50 years-to-life, making Erik and Lyle eligible for parole. Judge Michael Jesic ruled Tuesday that both brothers received a reduced sentence of 50 years to life with the opportunity for parole for the 1989 shotgun murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. "I'm not suggesting they should be released [on parole]. That's not for me to decide," he said. Their fate now lies in the hands of the parole board and Calif. Gov. Newsom. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Neama Rahmani told Fox News Digital that Erik and Kyle Menendez "will likely be freed in a matter of months," adding that he does not expect "the parole board or Governor Newsom" to block their release. Rahmani noted that the resentencing decision rests on whether the brothers pose "an unreasonable risk of committing another violent crime," and he believes the evidence weighs heavily in their favor. Pointing to Judge Jesic's ruling, Rahmani explained that because former LA County District Attorney George Gascon initiated the resentencing request, new LA DA Nathan Hochman "couldn't pull it back," and the court could only deny resentencing if the risk threshold wasn't met. "That wasn't the case," he said, saying that "prison guards and other inmates testified that they were model prisoners." Rahmani also highlighted the unprecedented support from the Menendez family, observing that "every living family member of Jose and Kitty Menendez also supported their release, which is something that never happens. Victims do not support resentencing." Judge Jesic made this point while handing down the reduced sentences, saying he had given a lot of thought to the sentence, while acknowledging "the horrific crimes the brothers committed." He added that he was "equally shocked by letters of support he received from prison officials" who spoke highly of the brothers' actions behind bars, calling it "remarkable." Jesic stated the original sentence of life without parole was appropriate, but given the change in state law allowing for resentencing, Jesic said, "They've done enough over 35 years to get that chance." Rahmani stressed that such broad victim-family backing made it all but impossible for the current district attorney to derail the process. "The bottom line is that there was too much support for the Menendez brothers, both inside and outside the courtroom, for Hochman to prevent their resentencing," he said. It just goes to show the power of a Netflix series." He added that "the Menendez brothers should send Netflix and former LA County DA Gascon nice cards this holiday season." The resentencing hearing comes after the brothers filed a habeas corpus petition in May 2023 citing new evidence of sexual assault. Former Los Angeles County DA George Gascon then filed a motion for resentencing in October 2024. Both filings follow the passage of AB 600, a California law allowing for resentencing of long-convicted inmates to align with current law. Gascon recommended resentencing the brothers to 25 years to life for each count of first-degree murder, so a total of 50 years to life for each brother. Because of their age at the time of the murders, that sentence would make them eligible for parole. Gascon cited "a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding sexual violence" and "Erik and Lyle's continuous rehabilitative efforts." During the morning session on Tuesday, three Menendez family members were called to the stand by the defense to try and convince the judge that the brothers had shown remorse and had been rehabilitated. All three witnesses were asked whether they thought their male cousins would in fact commit another heinous crime. "There is no chance," Anamaria Baralt said. "I would bet my life on it." "They are not going to commit a [serious crime]. Because they have too many plans to give back to the world," Tamara Goodall said. "Absolutely. No. None. They are extremely remarkable people now," Diane Hernandez said. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER Mark Geragos, the attorney for the Menendez brothers, said the family's unified plea for the brothers' resentencing is a "unicorn." The brothers, now 57 and 54, were dressed in blue jail garb, and flashed big grins following their resentencing, and waved to family and friends in attendance. Erik and Lyle Menendez appeared in court via video camera from the San Diego prison where they are incarcerated and were each given a chance to address the court prior to their sentencing. Each brother spoke for about 10 minutes and offered full admission to the crimes. Lyle Menendez spoke first and took responsibility for the cold-blooded killing of his parents in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. GO HERE FOR REAL-TIME UPDATES FROM THE FOX TRUE CRIME HUB "I take full responsibility. I killed my parents. I made the choice to kill my mom and dad in their own home." "I made the choice to make a mockery of the justice system. I offer no excuse and I don't blame my parents," he said. "I was impulsive and immature, and I bottled up my own emotions and anger. I was scared, but also filled with rage," he continued. "Had I had the coping skills and trusted others, I would have not done this. Even after I killed him (Jose), I still heard his voice." "I'm deeply ashamed for what I did," he said. After his older brother addressed the court, Erik Menendez spoke, expressing his "profound sorrow." "I fired all five rounds at my parents and went back to reload. I lied to police. I lied to my family. I'm truly sorry," he said. "My actions were criminal, selfish and cowardly. I take full responsibility. I am truly sorry. My parents should be alive. There can never be full healing for my crime," he continued. Geragos took a victory lap following the bombshell ruling for the killers brothers' resentencing. "I never thought two years later we'd be standing here after 35 years with this wonderful family that I have grown to love like my own family," Geragos said. "And now we see the pot at the end of the rainbow, so to speak." Following the judge's decision, LA District Attorney Hochman shared his response to the ruling and said "Justice should never be swayed by spectacle." "The decision to resentence Erik and Lyle Menendez was a monumental one that has significant implications for the families involved, the community, and the principles of justice," Hochman said in a news release. "Our office's motions to withdraw the resentencing motion filed by the previous administration ensured that the Court was presented with all the facts before making such a consequential decision. "The case of the Menendez brothers has long been a window for the public to better understand the judicial system. This case, like all cases — especially those that captivate the public — must be viewed with a critical eye. Our opposition and analysis ensured that the Court received a complete and accurate record of the facts. Justice should never be swayed by spectacle." The brothers remain in prison, but are now eligible for parole. Both Lyle and Erik are already scheduled to appear before the board on June 13th as part of a comprehensive risk assessment report (CRA) ordered by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is considering the brothers' clemency request – a separate potential path to freedom. Fox News is told the two types of parole hearings cannot be combined. The parole board is expected to submit its clemency recommendation to Newsom on the June date. Newsom can also commute their sentence at any time.
Japan Times
14-05-2025
- Japan Times
Menendez brothers resentenced after 35 years, allowing parole
Lyle and Erik Menendez, who have spent more than three decades behind bars for the grisly shotgun murders of their parents in the family's luxury Beverly Hills home, could soon walk free after a judge on Tuesday reduced their life sentences. The ruling came after an emotional court hearing in Los Angeles during which the men took full responsibility for the 1989 double killing. "I do believe they've done enough over the last 35 years that one day they should get that chance" to be freed, Judge Michael Jesic said.
Al Arabiya
14-05-2025
- Al Arabiya
Menendez brothers resentenced, parole now possible
Lyle and Erik Menendez, who have spent more than three decades behind bars for the grisly shotgun murders of their parents in the family's luxury Beverly Hills home, could soon walk free after a judge on Tuesday reduced their life sentences. The ruling came after an emotional court hearing in Los Angeles during which the men took full responsibility for the 1989 double killing. 'I do believe they've done enough over the last 35 years that one day they should get that chance,' to be freed, Judge Michael Jesic said, delivering a ruling that makes the men eligible for parole. Jesic reduced the men's original sentences of life without the possibility of parole to a term of 50 years to life. The time they have already spent behind bars means they are already eligible to apply for parole, with a hearing scheduled for next month. The pair have spent two years trying to get their sentences reduced, with a public campaign bolstered by celebrity support from the likes of Kim Kardashian and supercharged by the hit Netflix miniseries Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Blockbuster trials in the 1990s heard how the men killed Jose and Kitty Menendez in their Beverly Hills mansion, in what prosecutors said was a cynical attempt to get their hands on a large family fortune. After setting up alibis and trying to cover their tracks, the men shot Jose Menendez five times with shotguns, including in the kneecaps. Kitty Menendez died from a shotgun blast as she tried desperately to crawl away from her killers. The brothers initially blamed the deaths on a mafia hit, but changed their story several times in the ensuing months. Erik, then 18, confessed to the murders in a session with his therapist, and the pair ultimately claimed they had acted in self-defense after years of emotional and sexual abuse at the hands of a tyrannical father. On Tuesday, Lyle Menendez, now aged 57, addressed the court via videolink, admitting he had murdered his parents. 'I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses. I take full responsibility,' he said, according to reporters who were in court. His brother, Erik, 54, told the court he had been wrong to take the law into his own hands and said his actions were cruel and cowardly. 'I have no excuse, no justification. I take full responsibility,' he said. 'I reached out to my brother for help and convinced him that we couldn't escape. I fired five rounds at my parents and went to get more ammunition. I lied to police, lied to my family. I am truly sorry.' The men's family had earlier pleaded with the judge to show mercy. Their cousin, Anamaria Baralt, told the hearing they were reformed and had earned their freedom. 'We believe that 35 years is enough,' she said. 'They are universally forgiven by our family. They deserve a second chance at life.' Diane Hernandez, niece of Kitty Menendez, said the brothers were 'remarkable human beings.' 'There is absolutely no chance that they would break the law' if released, she said. 'Their only desire is to do good.' Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman had opposed the resentencing. He insisted the men had never admitted to the lies they told during the investigation of the crimes, having given several discordant explanations for the killings before settling on self-defense. Without such a reckoning with the truth, he said, the men should not be allowed out of prison. After the parole board hearing next month, the decision goes to California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has the power to overrule the board's recommendation. The brothers' fate, Jesic noted, is now 'up to the parole board and the governor.'
