A California judge has ordered the resentencing of Erik and Lyle Menendez, a ruling that creates a possibility for their eventual release from prison. The decision follows a lengthy hearing where the court heard emotional appeals from family members.
Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic presided over the proceedings, ultimately sentencing each brother to a term of 50 years to life. This adjustment from their original life-without-parole sentences makes them eligible for future parole consideration.
In his remarks, Judge Jesic acknowledged the severity of the 1989 murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez, describing the crime as “absolutely horrible.” However, he stated that after “long thought,” he believed the decades served warranted a chance for release. “Life without parole gives an inmate no hope,” Jesic noted, adding that he credited the brothers for their conduct while incarcerated.
Family testimony played a significant role in the hearing. A cousin of the brothers, Anamaria Baralt, spoke on behalf of relatives, asserting that the family has universally forgiven them. “We all on both sides of the family say 35 years is enough,” she told the court, contending the men are fundamentally changed from who they were over three decades ago.
The defense has long maintained that the brothers acted out of fear, alleging years of abuse by their father that culminated in a perceived threat to their lives. This argument was reiterated during the hearing.
The path to resentencing was facilitated by recent changes in California law, which generally favor such reviews unless a defendant is deemed an “unreasonable risk of danger to public safety.” The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office had previously recommended the 50-years-to-life sentence now imposed.
Not all voices supported the court’s direction. The current District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, expressed opposition outside the courtroom, questioning the brothers’ accountability. “They have never come fully clean for all the lies, the cover-up, the deceit,” he stated, suggesting they lack full insight into their actions. The judge indicated that such concerns were more fitting for a future parole board to evaluate.
The late Milton Andersen, brother of victim Kitty Menendez, was previously noted as the sole family member to publicly oppose any reduction in the brothers’ sentences.
The judge’s ruling does not guarantee release but establishes a framework for the Menendez brothers to argue for parole after serving the minimum term of their new sentences.
