In a decision that closes a chapter on one of America's most notorious murder cases, Lyle and Erik Menendez have been granted parole. The brothers, whose trial for the brutal killing of their parents captivated and divided the nation in the 1990s, were approved for release during a hearing on Thursday.
The California parole board's ruling marks a potential end to a 35-year incarceration that began with their arrest in 1990. Their case became a media firestorm, not just for the gruesome nature of the crime, but for the defence's controversial argument that years of alleged sexual abuse at the hands of their father drove them to kill.
A Case That Captivated a Nation
The Menendez saga began on the evening of 20 August 1989, when Lyle and Erik shot their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, with a shotgun in the family's luxurious Beverly Hills home. The brothers then attempted to stage the scene to look like a mob hit.
Their first trial ended in deadlocked juries, but a second trial convicted them both of first-degree murder in 1996. They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, a sentence that was later amended to allow for a future hearing.
The Path to Freedom
The parole board's decision was not made lightly. In recent years, both brothers have been described as "model inmates". Lyle, now 56, earned a master's degree behind bars and became a counsellor for other prisoners. Erik, 53, became a dedicated artist and tennis coach within the prison system.
Their release is not immediate. The decision will undergo a 120-day review process by the board's staff before being sent to Governor Gavin Newsom for final consideration. The governor has the authority to uphold, reverse, or modify the decision.
This development ensures that the Menendez brothers, whose names became synonymous with privilege, abuse, and brutal violence, will remain a topic of intense public and legal scrutiny for several more months.
