Erik and Lyle Menendez, convicted of the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, are set to appear before the California parole board this week. Erik’s parole hearing is scheduled for Thursday, while Lyle’s will take place on Friday. The brothers, who are currently incarcerated at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, will participate in the hearings via video feed.
The Menendez brothers were originally sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. However, in May 2025, Judge Michael Jesic reduced their sentences to 50 years to life, citing their young ages at the time of the crimes—Erik was 18 and Lyle was 21. This resentencing opened the door for their parole hearings.
The parole board will evaluate several factors, including time served, behavior in prison, and statements from victims’ family members and the district attorney, to determine if the brothers pose an “unreasonable risk of danger to society” if released. If the parole board grants parole, the decision will be reviewed by the Board of Parole Hearings’ chief counsel and then sent to California Governor Gavin Newsom for final consideration…