The sentences of Lyle and Erik Menendez for the 1989 shotgun murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, were resentenced on Tuesday so they can be released from prison after more than thirty years. Their sentence was reduced from life without parole to 50 years to life by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic, which enables the California parole board to now determine their fate.
The judge, Jesic, stated: “I’m not saying let them out, it’s not for me to say. I do think they’ve done enough in the last 35 years, that they should get that opportunity,” AP reported
After an emotional hearing where the family members, a retired judge, and even an ex-prisoner pleaded on behalf of their rehabilitation, the verdict was reached.
The brothers, now 57 and 54, were convicted in 1996 of the gruesome murders that happened within their Beverly Hills mansion, news agency Reuters said
They murdered their parents, the prosecution said, so they could inherit millions of dollars. The brothers admitted to the killings but explained that their actions were driven by fear after years of their mother’s psychological abuse and their father’s sexual abuse. Both brothers took full responsibility in court.
“I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses. I take full responsibility,” Lyle Menendez told the judge via video, as per the news agency AFP.
Erik agreed, describing his behaviour as “cruel and cowardly”.
Last year, former Los Angeles district attorney George Gadcón submitted the resentencing petition, pointing to the brother’s rehabilitation history and fresh evidence to back up the abuse allegations.
They have been said to have shown consistent despair, established inmate support groups, and sought education throughout their incarceration.
Former inmate Average Brown testified, according to the AP, “I might still be sitting in there doing stupid things without Lyle and Erik”.
The representation was also opposed by then DA Nathaniel Horwitz, who argued the brothers had “not fully accepted responsibility for all their criminal conduct.”
“Our stance is ‘no’, ‘never’, ‘not yet'”, he went on, denying their claims of mistreatment. There has been a great deal of family backing.
Tamara Goodell, a cousin, informed the court she recently took their 13-year-old son to visit the brothers in prison because she felt they could be of positive use if released.
“We all, on both sides of the family, feel that 35 years is sufficient,” another one, Ana Maria Baralt, said.
The Menendez brothers could be let out as early as next month after their sentences were reduced, pending a parole board hearing.