Menendez Brothers "Likely to be Released" On Parole: Legal Experts
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The Menendez Brothers' reduced sentencing ruling means they are "likely to be released" on parole, according to legal experts.
Former assistant U.S. attorney Neama Rahmani told Newsweek: "The brothers are very likely to be released within a matter of months."
This sentiment was echoed by Colorado-based criminal defense attorney Eric Faddis, who said: "The momentum is in the Menendez brothers' favor and I think they are likely to be released on parole."
These statements come after Erik and Lyle Menendez had their life sentences reduced by a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge.
Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez inside the California Department of Corrections.
Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez inside the California Department of Corrections.
California Dept. of Corrections via AP, File
Why It Matters
The Menendez Brothers have faced a lifetime behind bars since 1996 after being convicted of murdering their parents in 1989. Now, for the first time in nearly 30 years, they may have the opportunity to leave prison.
Both lawyers told Newsweek that the media played a significant part in reducing the brothers' sentences as public interest in their case was revived following the release of several documentaries, podcasts, and dramatizations of the brothers in the past decade.
Attorney Mark Geragos, left, speaks in front of family and supporters of Erik and Lyle Menendez after the brothers' resentencing hearing Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Attorney Mark Geragos, left, speaks in front of family and supporters of Erik and Lyle Menendez after the brothers' resentencing hearing Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Damian Dovarganes/AP Photo
What To Know
Erik and Lyle Menendez had their life sentence without parole reduced to a 50-year-to-life sentence, opening up the opportunity for parole as California law allows for parole to be considered in cases involving people who committed crimes when under the age of 26.
Lyle Menendez was 21 years old, and Erik was 18 years old when they shot and killed their parents. The brothers are now 57 and 54, respectively.
The brothers argued in court and have maintained to this day that they were victims of domestic and sexual abuse at the hands of their father.
Attorney Faddis told Newsweek that one factor in their reduced sentencing was the popularity of the Ryan Murphy Netflix show Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, as well as increased attention via social media and new documentaries.
"Younger generations hadn't even heard of the Menendez brothers until the recent uptick in media attention caused many to take a second look and question the appropriateness of a life-without-parole sentence," said Faddis. "Social media and the Netflix series about the case galvanized support behind the brothers that it seemed public officials simply couldn't ignore."
This was seconded by Rahmani, who said: "It just goes to show the power of a Netflix series to influence or initiate court cases. We've seen it time and time again, with Britney Spears, R. Kelly, and Mike Jeffries, the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch.
"It's just a political reality that media exposure plays a big role in greasing the wheels of the justice system. There's really not much of a line between politics and the law right now.
Faddis spoke to the work the brothers had been putting in behind bars to provide therapy for victims of sexual abuse, saying he believes they will be released on parole, as the factors in determining release include looking at whether they have a criminal history and whether they engaged in rehabilitation work while in prison.
The only reason they may not be allowed parole, said Faddis, is that the parole board may be lenient given their argument against their father but could determine that "the same mitigation does not exist regarding the killing of the mother."
Rahmani explained to Newsweek that if the brothers are released on parole, that opportunity comes with stipulations.
"Even though they'll be free, they're still subject to supervision by their parole officers," explained Rahmani. "There may be restrictions on where they can live, work, and travel, and they may have to submit to drug tests and mental health counseling. It's up to the parole board."
Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez leave a courtroom in Santa Monica, California, August 6, 1990.
Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez leave a courtroom in Santa Monica, California, August 6, 1990.
Nick Ut, File/AP Photo
What People Are Saying
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."
Former assistant U.S. attorney Neama Rahmani told Newsweek: "The parole board is going to be overwhelmed with voices in support of the brothers, and the fact that Governor Newsom ordered the comprehensive risk assessment before they were even eligible for parole leads me to believe he's not going to block their release. Every living family member of Jose and Kitty Menendez supported their release, which is almost unheard of in a murder case like this one."
What Happens Next
Rahmani told Newsweek that although he does expect the brothers to be released on parole, it could take months to reach that decision as the parole board is currently backed up with cases.
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