The nearly 35 year-old murder case of the Menendez brothers has made a sweeping  return to tabloids and headlines, following the release of a Netflix documentary and "Monsters" series that dramatized their story. Because of this national attention, public outcry has led to a possible resentencing.

In August of 1989, brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez killed their parents Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion. During testimony, the brothers never denied their involvement in the murders, but instead cited the years of alleged abuse that occurred at the hands of their father. The brothers claimed that they had endured countless years of sexual and emotional abuse, and it had reached a point in which they feared for their lives. 

Because of this genuine fear, defense attorneys pushed for the charge of involuntary manslaughter instead of first degree murder, claiming that the murders were an act of defense. Regardless of the compelling evidence, the jury was unable to come to ruling, declaring a mistrial.

During the second trial, the defense was not as fortunate. Judge Stanley Weisberg ruled that evidence describing the horrific accounts of sexual abuse was to be excluded. Meaning that witnesses testimonies and other impactful evidence that made a convincing argument in favor of their self defense claims could no longer be used. Because of this, in 1996, the jury unanimously agreed and the brothers were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. 

At 56 and 53 years old, and three decades in California Prison, Erik and Lyle Menendez are hopeful at the prospect of their release. Los Angeles county district attorney, George Gason stated that he is recommending the brothers to be resentenced for the 1989 murders. 

If the judge were to move forward with the reduction of the sentence, the brothers would be eligible for parole. If this were to happen, the parole board would have a six-month window to schedule parole hearings, and then ultimately the final decision would lie in the hands of California Governor, Gavin Newsom.

During their time in prison, the brothers have been said to be model prisoners, keeping clean records and improving themselves along the way. They have worked effortlessly to give back to their community, creating groups to assist prisoners with physical disabilities and those suffering with untreated trauma. They have also used this time to advance their education, Erik earning his associates degree in sociology as well as social and behavioral science and Lyle obtaining a bachelor's degree in art.  

In a news conference, attorney Gason expressed his confidence in the brothers stating, “We’re not only very sure that the brothers have rehabilitated and will be safe to be reintegrated our society, but they have paid their dues, not only for the crimes they have committed, but because of all of the other things that they have done to improve the lives of so many others.”

Mia Owens, class of 2026,  is a staff writer and photographer for the Dedham mirror. Mia throws as a Marauder for Spring Track. She enjoys hiking, baking, and spending time with friends and family.