Los Angeles (AP). The Menendez brothers will submit their cases for comparison from Thursday, noting that they would have won freedom from prison from their beliefs that their beliefs have killed their parents.
Erik and Lyle Menendez 1996 Were convicted of life in prison for shooting his father in Jose Menendez and Kitty Menendez, in 1989. Beverly Hills Manor. Although defense lawyers have been in their father many years later, prosecutors said the brothers had taken advantage of a multi -faceted manner.
May They became a parole after a judge in Los Angeles, reduced sentences from life prison, released by parole to 50 years to life, so they can be applied immediately to California laws because they were committed at 26 when they committed their crimes.
But even if the Board gives its probation, it may take months before the brothers walk freely – if at all.
A group of hearing officers will evaluate the brothers separately. Erik Menendez will host his listening Thursday morning and then follow Lyle Menendez Friday. They will appear at a video conference from prison in San Diego.
The Board will assess whether the brothers are raising “unreasonable risks to society” if they are released, taking into account factors such as criminal history, crime motivation, signs of compassion, prison behavior and future plans, the California California and Rehabilitation Department says.
If the Board provides each brother’s probation, the chief legal advisor has a 120 -day review of the case. The Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom must then confirm or deny the probation for 30 days. Newsom has previously ordered the National Launch Council to carry out a risk assessment of the brothers in response to a claim for shame. He did not say if he was likely to support probation, but in the past he denied recommendations in high-level files-Sirhan Sirhan, who in 1968. Killed President Robert F. Kennedy.
Erik and Lyle Menendez support their loved ones, who are expected to make statements through their hearing.
“For more than 35 years, they have shown constant growth,” their family report said. “They assumed all accountability. They still express their sincere regret to our family and created a meaningful life defined by purpose and service.”
For decades, the case has drawn the attention of real crime enthusiasts and made documentaries, television special things and dramatization. Netflix drama Monsters: Lyle and Erik Menendez History and 2024. The documentary released was credited for drawing new attention to the brothers. The greater recognition of the brothers as victims of sexual abuse also helped to collect the Legion sponsors who seek their release. Some flew to Los Angeles to hold rallies and attend court hearings.
The previous lawyer of LA County first opened the door to the possible freedom of the brothers last fall, asking the judge to reduce their sentences. The judge’s decision to finally resent the brothers, followed months after the retreat of current prosecutors.
Nathan Hochman, a lawyer for La County, said before the release hears that they contradicted the brothers because they “did not prove their complete insights on their crimes,” comparing them to Sirhan. Newsom denied him probation in 2022. January Because of his “missing insights”.
Insight means taking full responsibility for crime and understanding of factors that have led you to commit a crime, such as anger, inability to deal with stress and drug abuse, said lawyer Michael Beckman, specialized in probation.
He said Erik and Lyle’s college degrees, participation in volunteer programs and support groups, and the fact that Lyle did not attend one fight in prison are positive factors for their release.
However, the latest violations of the rules for the brothers can have significant consequences. May Hochman revealed the detailed information of a confidential risk assessment report stating that Lyle was quoted for the fact that in 2024 He had a cell phone several times and Erik was found with a cell phone this January.
“The Board is actually based on philosophy that if you cannot follow prison rules, you cannot follow the rules of free society,” Beckman said. “Add to the fact that mobile phones are one of three major bad rules in combination with violence and drug abuse.”
Finally, Beckman noted that probation decisions make separate commission members who can weigh the brothers’ cases based on factors such as their celebrity status or support from family members.
The State Correctional Department chose one media representative to review the process in practice and share notes with the rest of the press.