Menendez brothers: Erik, Lyle face California parole board seeking release after the murder of their parents
More than thirty years after being convicted for the 1989 killings of their parents, Erik and Lyle Menendez are facing parole hearings before a California board.
Following decades of public debate, renewed attention through documentaries, and support from celebrities like Kim Kardashian, the proceedings could mark the first real opportunity for the brothers to be released from prison.
Erik, now 54, is participating via video from Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego on Thursday (local time), while Lyle, 57, will appear on Friday, NBC reports.
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A statement from The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition, a support group that includes family members, said: “For more than 35 years, they have shown sustained growth. They have taken full accountability.”
“They express sincere remorse to our family to this day and have built a meaningful life defined by purpose and service,” the statement continued.
During the hearings, the panel will take into account statements that could be presented by prosecutors and family members, alongside a range of considerations such as pas offences, their behaviour over the years in custody, and how they intend to reenter society if granted release.
If the board allows parole, a lengthy review process will follow, which lies with California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has 30 days to either approve or reject the release.
The brothers were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for fatally shooting their father, Jose Menendez, and mother, Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. They were 18 and 21 at the time.
A Los Angeles judge opened the door to freedom in May by giving the brothers a new sentence of 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole under California law because they were under 26 when they committed their crimes.
