Menendez Brothers’ Resentencing Hearing Scheduled for December 11
What’s Next?
A Los Angeles judge has scheduled a December 11 hearing to decide whether to resententence Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are serving life-without-parole terms for the 1989 shotgun murders of their parents inside their family’s Beverly Hills home. The brothers have been in prison for 34 years.
Will Resentencing be Granted?
The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office has filed a resentencing motion, requesting that the brothers’ penalties be reduced to 50-years-to-life each, making them eligible for an immediate parole hearing. Attorneys for the brothers support this motion, and a hearing is likely to be scheduled without much delay.
Timeline
If the resentencing is granted, the brothers would be eligible for an immediate parole hearing, which is a multi-month process. The timeline is unclear, as the court has yet to hold its first hearing on the resentencing request.
What if They Are Released?
Geragos, the brothers’ attorney, says that they have a reentry plan in place, although he declined to reveal details for security reasons. The reentry plan was previewed with the DA’s office, and the brothers are reported to be making productive use of their time in prison, with Lyle pursuing a master’s degree and Erik working on his undergraduate degree. Both brothers are married to spouses who are gainfully employed.
Clemency
The DA’s office has also expressed support for the brothers’ separate requests for clemency, which have been submitted to the office of California Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom’s office has declined to confirm the request, citing the confidentiality of clemency discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are the Menendez brothers being considered for resentencing?
A: The DA’s office has filed a resentencing motion, requesting that the brothers’ penalties be reduced to 50-years-to-life each, making them eligible for an immediate parole hearing.
Q: What is the timeline for the resentencing hearing?
A: The hearing is scheduled for December 11, but the exact timing of the process is unclear.
Q: What is the purpose of a resentencing hearing?
A: The judge will consider the brothers’ "post conviction" conduct in prison and their rehabilitation efforts, and decide whether they have met the legal standards for resentencing.
Q: What is the likelihood of the Menendez brothers being released from prison?
A: The outcome is uncertain, as the resentencing hearing has not yet been held. If the judge grants the resentencing, the brothers would be eligible for an immediate parole hearing, but there is no guarantee of release.
