View gallery
Nearly three decades after Lyle and Erik Menendez were found guilty of the shocking murders of their parents, their controversial case has resurfaced in the judicial system, and this time, they are potentially looking at a path to freedom. Renewed public interest in their case has been fueled significantly by Netflix’s gripping series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. On October 24, 2024, former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón conducted a press conference where he discussed the possibilities surrounding the resentencing of the Menendez brothers. Although Gascón was later succeeded by Nathan Hochman, who opposed a retrial and sought to reverse the motion supporting resentencing, a judge ultimately resentenced the brothers in May 2025, granting them eligibility for parole. As they await their parole hearing in August 2025, Erik’s lawyer revealed to TMZ that Erik is struggling with kidney stones while incarcerated and urgently requires release for medical reasons.
Hollywood Life is dedicated to providing the latest updates regarding the resentencing of Lyle and Erik Menendez, ensuring our readers stay informed about this evolving situation.
Latest Developments: Were Lyle & Erik Menendez Resentenced?
During a pivotal press conference on October 24, 2024, former Los Angeles District Attorney Gascón announced that he was taking significant steps to review the case of Erik and Lyle Menendez. He formally recommended that the brothers undergo resentencing and be made immediately eligible for parole, a major development in their long-standing legal battle.
BREAKING: Los Angeles County DA recommends resentencing the Menendez brothers for the 1989 killings of their parents. https://t.co/5rQdUbS17D pic.twitter.com/xJcx3Wg2OB
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 24, 2024
During his announcement, Gascón clarified that the process of resentencing under California law does not necessarily reassess the original crime itself, but rather focuses on whether the inmate has undergone rehabilitation and whether they can be safely reintegrated into society.
“There was absolutely no justification for murder,” Gascón stated, referencing the tragic 1989 homicides of José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez. He emphasized that even in cases of abuse, seeking help through the proper channels, such as contacting law enforcement, is essential. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the complex feelings of desperation that many abuse victims endure, pointing out that individuals, particularly women, who have faced prolonged abuse may sometimes resort to extreme actions against their abuser.
“I truly believe that they have fulfilled their obligations to society,” Gascón added, underscoring his belief in their rehabilitation.
The Menendez brothers were initially set to appear in court again on March 20, 2025, for a hearing to determine their resentencing. However, DA Hochman announced a request to the court to deny Lyle and Erik’s plea for a retrial, complicating the process further.
“We re-evaluated the credibility of the letters, specifically the supposed letter from Andy Cano dated 1988, and we found that it raises significant questions regarding whether this letter was genuinely authored by Erik Menendez to Andy Cano about the alleged sexual abuse,” Hochman explained in detail.
Judge Michael Jesic conducted a hearing on April 11, 2025, to announce that the resentencing proceedings would continue on April 17 and 18, 2025. However, on the scheduled day, the prosecution argued that a recently completed risk assessment, carried out by the California Board of Parole Hearings at Governor Gavin Newsom‘s request, needed to be reviewed before proceeding with the case. Consequently, the hearings were postponed to the following month.
On May 13, 2025, Judge Jesic resentenced Lyle and Erik to an extended term of 50 years to life in prison, granting them eligibility for parole. However, reports indicate that the parole process may extend over several months to years before a decision is reached.
Anticipating Freedom: When Will Lyle & Erik Menendez Be Released?
At this stage, it remains uncertain when, or if, the Menendez brothers will actually be released from their prison sentences. Their upcoming parole hearing is set for August 2025, a critical moment that could determine their future.
Current Ages of Lyle & Erik Menendez: A Look Back
When the tragic events unfolded in August 1989, Erik was just 18 years old, while Lyle was 21. As of now, they are 54 and 57 years old, respectively, making their long journey through the justice system particularly poignant.
Financial Status of the Menendez Brothers: Do They Still Have Money?
After spending over three decades in prison, both Lyle and Erik reportedly depleted any financial resources they previously had, leaving their current net worth unknown. There are lingering beliefs that the brothers committed the murders to inherit their parents’ wealth, an assertion that both Lyle and Erik have vehemently denied as false.
Despite their claims, some still contend that the motivation behind the tragic killings was financial gain, a narrative that continues to haunt them.
The Underlying Reasons: Why Did the Menendez Brothers Kill Their Parents?
Lyle and Erik Menendez have consistently maintained their narrative regarding the tragic shooting of their mother and father. During their high-profile trials in the 1990s, they recounted the alleged emotional, physical, and sexual abuse they suffered throughout their childhoods. Both brothers detailed the horrific acts that José allegedly inflicted on them during their formative years.
Throughout the trials, defense attorney Leslie Abramson supported the claims made by both Erik and Lyle about the alleged sexual abuse they experienced. Despite Judge Stanley Weisberg sentencing them to life without the possibility of parole in 1996, both Erik and Lyle have sought opportunities for rehabilitation during their incarceration, a point highlighted by District Attorney Gascón in October 2024. Furthermore, new evidence was presented to the court for further investigation, which included a letter that Erik wrote to his cousin Andy Cano months prior to the tragic events, expressing his fears of José, as well as an allegation from former Menudo member Roy Rosselló, who accused José of sexually abusing him as a minor.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse, please reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained professional can provide confidential and judgment-free support, along with local resources to aid in recovery and healing.
