Last Update May 13, 2025, 9:47 PM EDT
Judge resentences Menendez brothers, making killers eligible for parole
In a bombshell decision, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic slashed the Menendez brothers’ original life-without-parole terms to 50 years-to-life, making Erik and Lyle eligible for parole.
Covered by: Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Stepheny Price and Adam Sabes
Menendez brothers' flash big smiles after parole eligibility granted on resentencing
The brothers, now 57 and 54, dressed in blue jail garb, flashed big smiles following their resentencing, which makes them eligible for parole.
Erik and Lyle Menendez appeared in court via video camera from the San Diego prison where they are incarcerated.
At the end, Mark Gergasos, the family's defense attorney, told the brothers “congratulations”. They replied with their appreciation for his work.
Posted by Sarah Rumpf-Whitten
4 min(s) ago
Erik Menendez says he takes ‘full responsibility' for his parents' murders
After his older brother addressed the court, Erik Menendez spoke, expressing his "profound sorrow."
"I fired all five rounds at my parents and went back to reload. I lied to police. I lied to my family. I'm truly sorry," he said.
Posted by Sarah Rumpf-Whitten
In a statement to court, Lyle Menendez took responsibility for the cold-blooded killing of his parents in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989.
“I take full responsibility. I killed my parents. I made the choice to kill my mom and dad in their own home."
"I made the choice to make a mockery of the justice system. I offer no excuse and I don’t blame my parents," he said.
“I was impulsive and immature, and I bottled up my own emotions and anger. I was scared but also filled with rage,” he continued. “Had I had the coping skills and trusted others, I would have not done this. Even after I killed him, I still heard his voice.”
“I’m deeply ashamed for what I did,” he said.
Fox News Digital's Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.
Posted by Stepheny Price