Menendez brothers closer to freedom as judge reduces murder sentences | ITV News
Erik and Lyle Menendez will have a new shot at freedom after 35 years behind bars for murdering their parents, a judge ruled on Tuesday.
The ruling from Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic reduced the brothers’ sentences from life in prison without parole to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole.
The state parole board, set to meet next month, must decide whether to release them.
The judge’s decision followed months of pushback from prosecutors who opposed resentencing, arguing the brothers hadn’t taken adequate responsibility for their crimes.
Ultimately prosecutors did not call any witnesses, saying they had presented all of their evidence.
The defence turned to family members and those who knew the brothers since their conviction to speak to their character and rehabilitation.
The brothers addressed the court via video as family members listened on tearfully. Most of the brothers’ family members, including aunts and uncles, have long supported their bid for freedom.
“On August 20, 1989, I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses and also no justification,” Lyle Menendez said, choking up as he addressed the room. “The impact of my violent actions on my family … is unfathomable.”
Jesic issued his decision immediately after the brothers spoke. The hearing was slated to last two days, but Jesic made his decision in one, offering the brothers new hope after years of unsuccessful appeals and attempts to win freedom in a case that has captured public attention from the start.
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