What’s next for the Menendez brothers? Here’s how soon Lyle and Erik could walk free

The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, who have spent over 30 years in prison for the brutal murder of their parents in 1989, may be on the brink of freedom. A judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court recently reduced their sentences from “life without parole” to “50 years to life,” making them eligible for parole. This decision opens up the possibility of the brothers being released as early as the coming weeks.

While their lawyer had hoped for an immediate release, the new ruling means that Lyle and Erik, now aged 57 and 54 respectively, will have to go through the parole process. The state parole board and Governor Gavin Newsom will now play a crucial role in determining their fate. The board had already been instructed by Newsom to review the brothers’ case as part of a separate clemency petition. Psychological evaluations and assessments of their time in prison have been ongoing, with a final hearing scheduled for June.

Two paths to freedom exist for the Menendez brothers – either the state board grants them parole, or Newsom grants them clemency even if the board denies parole. However, there is also a possibility that the board grants parole but Newsom decides to keep them in prison.

The board’s decision will be based on various factors, including the risk the brothers pose to society and their insight into the crimes they committed. Preliminary assessments have shown that both Lyle and Erik have had issues in prison, such as drug use and entitlement. However, they have expressed remorse for their actions and claimed that the murders were done in self-defense due to years of sexual abuse by their father.

Despite the controversy surrounding their case, the Menendez brothers have garnered support from prison officials and fellow inmates for their volunteer work while incarcerated. They have been involved in programs such as a hospice program for elderly and disabled inmates and a greenspace program for the prison yard.

As the state parole board and Newsom deliberate on their fate, the chances of Lyle and Erik Menendez finally tasting freedom are higher than ever. The decision will ultimately rest on whether they are deemed fit for parole and whether they have truly shown remorse and understanding for their heinous crimes.