Erik and Lyle Menendez, who have spent more than three decades in prison for the 1989 murder of their parents, are now eligible for parole after a Los Angeles judge reduced their sentences.
The brothers, who were originally sentenced to life without parole in 1996, had their terms reduced to 50 years to life under California’s youthful offender law.
The legislation allows parole consideration for people who committed crimes before the age of 26. Erik was 18 and Lyle was 21 at the time of the killings.
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Judge Michael Jesic acknowledged the brothers’ rehabilitation in prison but stopped short of endorsing their release.
“I do believe they’ve done enough in the past 35 years that they should get that chance,” he said. “But whether they’re released is not up to me.”
The final decision will rest with California’s parole board. A hearing is expected in June.
The Menendez case captivated the US in the early 1990s. Prosecutors argued the brothers killed their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home to secure a multimillion-dollar inheritance.
The defence claimed they acted out of fear, after years of sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of their father.
During the resentencing hearing, both brothers expressed remorse.
“I killed my mum and dad. I make no excuses and also no justification,” Lyle said. Erik apologised to his family, saying, “You did not deserve what I did to you, but you inspire me to do better.”
Family members testified in support of the brothers, including two cousins who said the family had forgiven them and believed 35 years in prison was enough.
Former inmates and a retired judge also praised the brothers’ rehabilitation efforts, including starting prison support groups for elderly and disabled inmates.
“They are real people who have lived through unimaginable horrors,” said defence lawyer Mark Geragos. “We’re one huge step closer to bringing them home.”
The LA District Attorney’s office supported a sentence review, citing modern understanding of trauma, and the brothers’ record of good conduct and education in prison.
The parole board will now weigh those factors as it considers whether to release them.