Menendez Brothers' Lawyer on Parole Prospects: 'People Capable of Change'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
An attorney for Erik and Lyle Menendez spoke with Newsweek about the brothers' parole prospects, saying: "Judge Jesic's ruling to allow a chance at parole for the Menendez brothers recognizes the profound truth that people are capable of change."
Cliff Gardner told Newsweek that Judge Michael Jesic's decision to reduce the life-without-parole sentence to a 50-year-to-life sentence shows that the judge recognized the Menendez brothers' "extraordinary rehabilitation" in prison.
Under California law, the new sentence opens the brothers up to the possibility of parole, as they were convicted of murdering their parents when they were under the age of 26.
Why It Matters
The parole opportunity for the Menendez brothers demonstrates how much prison programs aimed at rehabilitation and personal growth can impact the fate of a prisoner, even if they are supposed to be imprisoned for life.
Although Gardner says this decision is solely down to their work in prison, other lawyers told Newsweek that the recent media frenzy around the brothers, stemming from their Netflix drama and countless documentaries, also assisted in gaining the traction necessary to reduce their sentence, showing the impact of popular media on the justice system.
Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez leave a courtroom in Santa Monica, California, on August 6, 1990.
Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez leave a courtroom in Santa Monica, California, on August 6, 1990.
Nick Ut, File/AP Photo
What To Know
Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted in 1996 of murdering both of their parents at their home in 1989. Lyle was 21 and Erik was 18 when they were sentenced to life behind bars without the possibility of parole. Lyle is now 57, and Erik is now 54.
The brothers argued in court and have maintained to this day that they committed the murders due to years of sexual abuse at the hands of their father. The prosecution in 1996 successfully argued that the brothers killed their parents to receive their sizable inheritance.
However, in the years following the trial, their work in prison providing therapy to other victims of childhood abuse, coupled with popular documentaries and a Netflix dramatization of their lives, has swayed public opinion in their favor.
While in prison, Lyle Menendez worked for Guide Dogs of America, where he trained dogs to assist veterans, children with autism, and blind people. He formed a friendship with comedian Rosie O'Donnell through that program, as she got a service dog from that program for her autistic child.
"They have served over three decades in prison and have grown into intelligent, caring, sensitive men," O'Donnell told Newsweek following news of the Menendez brothers' resentencing.
Gardner told Newsweek about the brothers' work: "After 35 years of consistent good behavior and personal growth in prison, this decision affirms the value of redemption and the human potential for transformation."
Jesic echoed this sentiment in court on Tuesday, saying that although it is not up to him to decide whether the brothers should be released from prison, "I do believe they've done enough in the past 35 years that they should get that chance."
Although they have not been offered parole yet, experts told Newsweek it is highly likely they will be offered a parole hearing in the next few months.
Supporters of Erik and Lyle Menendez, including their cousin Anamaria Baralt (C) embrace after the brothers' resentencing hearing on May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Supporters of Erik and Lyle Menendez, including their cousin Anamaria Baralt (C) embrace after the brothers' resentencing hearing on May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Damian Dovarganes/AP Photo
What People Are Saying
Attorney Cliff Gardner told Newsweek: "No one is the worst thing they have ever done in their life. No one is the best thing. Judge Jesic properly recognized that despite the nature of the crime, the extraordinary rehabilitation Erik and Lyle have shown over 35 years in some of the harshest prisons in our state merits at least a chance at life outside prison."
Criminal defense attorney Eric Faddis told Newsweek: "The parole board considers several factors in determining release and those factors appear to weigh in favor of the brothers, including a lack of other criminal history, significant family support, a stable environment post-release, efforts while in prison to combat child sexual abuse, and the crime resulting in part from prior abuse at the hands of the father, at least according to defense."
What Happens Next
Legal experts expect the brothers to be released on parole. However, the parole board could take months to reach that decision as it is currently backed up with cases.
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