Erik and Lyle Menendez score major victory after judge rules resentencing bid can proceed

Erik and Lyle Menendez have been granted the opportunity to continue their resentencing hearings, as ruled by a Los Angeles judge on Friday. This decision brings the brothers one step closer to potential freedom after spending 30 years behind bars for the murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in 1989.

The new district attorney’s attempt to withdraw the resentencing request was rejected by Judge Michael Jesic, marking a significant victory for the Menendez brothers. The pair had been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole at ages 18 and 21.

During the hearing, District Attorney Nathan Hochman criticized his predecessor’s petition to resentence the brothers, calling it an “insane” political move that disregarded essential facts. On the other hand, the brothers’ attorney Mark Geragos condemned the prosecution’s tactics, accusing them of insensitivity towards the family members present in the courtroom.

Despite the DA’s efforts to withdraw the resentencing request, Judge Jesic sided with Geragos, stating that there was no valid legal reason to halt the process. The final decision on resentencing is scheduled to be made after hearings on April 17 and 18.

Relatives of Erik and Lyle, including their cousin Anamaria Baralt, have been vocal in advocating for their release. Baralt emphasized that the brothers had taken responsibility for their actions and demonstrated growth and insight over the past decades.

Prosecutors have argued that the brothers have shown no remorse for their crimes and have never admitted to their alleged lies. However, supporters of the Menendez brothers refute these claims, asserting that they have indeed shown remorse and taken steps towards rehabilitation.

The upcoming hearings will focus on the brothers’ efforts to prove their rehabilitation and seek a reduced sentence. They maintain that the murders were committed in self-defense after years of alleged sexual abuse by their parents.

While the former DA had initially requested a resentencing to 50 years to life, the current DA’s motion to withdraw that request has raised questions about the future of the case. Governor Gavin Newsom may have the final say in granting the brothers clemency and allowing them to be released on parole.

The state parole board is conducting its own hearings and will deliver a recommendation in June. The Menendez brothers gained notoriety in 1989 following the murders of their parents and subsequent high-profile trials in the 90s. A 2024 Netflix documentary shed new light on their case, revealing potential evidence of sexual abuse suffered by the brothers prior to the murders.