Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were just 18 and 21 years old, orchestrated the brutal murder of their parents in 1989 at their Beverly Hills mansion. The brothers shot their parents multiple times using a shotgun they had recently purchased. Convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy in 1996, they were sentenced to life without the chance of parole.
However, following a rise in public interest linked to the 2024 Netflix drama "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story," their case saw a renewed focus. In May 2025, both brothers were made eligible for parole during resentencing, although simple hopes for release were dashed in August when parole boards deemed them a continued risk to society.
During the hearings, 54-year-old Erik was informed that he hadn’t demonstrated significant reform in prison, while 57-year-old Lyle, deemed the more dominant sibling, was similarly rejected due to concerns about his anger management and lingering anti-social traits. "We find your remorse is genuine," stated parole commissioner Julie Garland, yet this was overshadowed by doubts about Lyle's behavioral changes.
The next opportunity for parole could be in three years, or as soon as 18 months earlier if they exhibit good conduct. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom is considering a clemency request that could change their sentence, though he has the final say over any board recommendations.
The brothers were resentenced following a push from the previous LA district attorney, along with support from family members and a former inmate, yet prosecutors contested their claims of rehabilitation and responsibility.
The dramatic proof of their volatile relationship with their parents—Jose, a powerful Hollywood executive, and Kitty—was central to the case. The brothers alleged years of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, yet these claims were never fully substantiated in court. Prosecutors posited that their real motive was financial gain from their parents' estate, which fueled the sensational trial proceedings.
Initial trials saw a deadlocked jury lead to a mistrial, with the final convictions resulting from a 1995 joint trial where significant evidence was ruled inadmissible. The brothers, separated during early incarceration, reunited in 2018.
The Netflix series has sparked new debates around their narrative, gathering over 12 million views in its debut weekend and inspiring celebrity endorsements for release. Yet, Erik described its portrayal of their story as "disheartening slander." Both brothers and their families criticized the work, claiming it perpetuated falsehoods.
Creator Ryan Murphy responded by asserting that the show was grounded in extensive research and asked for details to clarify any perceived inaccuracies. Overall, the case of Erik and Lyle Menendez continues to evoke strong feelings, making their future uncertain as they navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.
