Lyle and Erik Menendez, convicted for killing their parents in 1989, have been declared eligible for parole after 35 years in prison following a re-sentencing under California’s youthful offender law.
Lyle and Erik Menendez, who have served 35 years for the 1989 murders of their parents in Beverly Hills, were ruled eligible for parole on Tuesday during a re-sentencing hearing in Los Angeles. The decision was made under California’s youthful offender statute, which allows parole consideration for individuals who committed crimes before age 26 and have served at least half of their sentence.
The brothers, now aged 57 and 54, had been serving life without the possibility of parole following their 1996 conviction. The re-sentencing, led by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic, replaced their original terms with new sentences of 50 years to life.
Judge Jesic described the original crime as “absolutely horrific” but noted the brothers’ rehabilitation in prison as “amazing,” citing their behaviour and contributions while incarcerated. Both expressed remorse during the hearing and accepted full responsibility for the killings.
The Menendez brothers were found guilty of first-degree murder for fatally shooting their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, as they watched television in August 1989. The prosecution argued the motive was financial gain, while the defence maintained that the brothers acted out of fear following years of sexual and emotional abuse.
Recent evidence, including a letter Erik allegedly wrote to a cousin and new claims from a former member of the 1980s pop band Menudo, was presented to support the abuse allegations. These claims were also the subject of renewed public interest through recent documentaries and dramatizations.
The parole decision now rests with the California parole board and Governor Gavin Newsom. A separate parole board hearing is scheduled for June 13 to review clemency petitions.
While the defence pointed to rehabilitation and family forgiveness, the prosecution maintained opposition, questioning whether the brothers had genuinely taken responsibility and arguing that they remain untrustworthy.
Dozens of people were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanese officials said, straining a fragile ceasefire agreed between the cou...
As Britain's sanctions on three Georgia-registered companies made headlines on 26 May, the Georgian side of the story was already complicated. The Nat...
European companies are continuing to deepen their presence in China, with nearly seven in ten firms maintaining or expanding their supply chains despi...
Britain has announced fresh sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, financial networks and banks accused of helping Russia evade Western restric...
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Kazakhstan on Wednesday for a three-day state visit focused on energy, transport and economic cooperation ...
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 26 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Dozens of people were killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Tuesday, Lebanese officials said, straining a fragile ceasefire agreed between the countries in April. The attacks came as Iran accused the U.S. of violating a separate ceasefire with strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.
The new AnewZ documentary, TARGET: Yerevan, builds its explosive case on exclusive, secret recordings originally published by Minval Politika.
Chinese investigators have uncovered hidden tunnels, missing worker trackers and fake underground walls during an initial investigation into the country’s deadliest mining disaster in more than 15 years.
The visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Armenia marks one of the clearest signs yet of Washington’s growing interest in the South Caucasus.
Britain has announced fresh sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges, financial networks and banks accused of helping Russia evade Western restrictions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
China’s carbon emissions grew far less than previously thought over the past five years, according to a new analysis that is drawing close attention from climate researchers worldwide.
Muslims around the world have marked Eid al-Adha with prayers, celebrations and acts of charity, though for many Palestinians the holiday unfolded amid conflict, restrictions and loss.
Spanish police visited the headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) in Madrid on Wednesday as part of a widening High Court investigation into alleged attempts to interfere with judicial proceedings involving party and government figures.
Latvia is strengthening its anti-drone capabilities along its borders with Russia and Moscow-allied Belarus after several drones entered the NATO member’s airspace, according to a senior military official.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment