LOS ANGELES - In a bombshell ruling, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic cuts the original life of the Menendez Brothers with the Fed's original terms, qualifying Erik and Lyle for parole.
Judge Michael Jesic ruled Tuesday that both brothers were sentenced to 50 years of sentences and had a chance to murder parents Jose and Kitty Menendez for shotgun in 1989.
"I'm not saying I should be released (parole). It's not what I decided," he said.
Now, their fate is on parole board and California Governor News.
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A combination of two booking photos provided by the California Department of Corrections shows Erik Menendez, Left and Lyle Menendez. (California makes corrections via AP, file)
Former U.S. Attorney Neama Rahmani told Fox News Digital that Erik and Kyle Menendez "will likely be released within a few months", adding that he does not want the "parole board or Governor Newsom" to prevent its release.
Rahmani noted that the resentment decision depends on whether the brothers pose an “unreasonable risk of committing another violent crime”, and he believes the evidence is in their favor.
Rahmani pointed to the Jesuit judge's ruling, explaining that New La da Nathan Hochman "can't back down" because of a grudge appeal by former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon, and the court can only deny the lawsuit if the risk threshold is not reached.
"That's not the case," he said.
Attorney Mark Geragos spoke to reporters at the Menendez brothers’ resentment hearing. (Derek Shakes Fox News Numbers)
Rahmani also highlighted the unprecedented support of the Menendez family, who observed: “Every member of Jose and Kitty Menendez’s living family also supported their release, something that never happened. The victims did not support resentment.”
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The brothers, 57 and 54, were in blue prison costumes and appeared in court through cameras in San Diego prison where they were imprisoned. (Bill Robles)
Judge Jesus raised this when distributing the reduced sentence, saying he had thought a lot about the sentence while acknowledging “the terrible crimes committed by the brothers.”
He added that he was "just as shocked by the support he received from prison officials" who highly praised the brothers' behavior in prison, calling it "outstanding."
The Menendez family poses outside the courtroom. (Derek Shakes Fox News Numbers)
Jesus said the original sentences of life without parole were appropriate, but given the changes in state laws allowed for repentance, Jesus said, “They have done enough for 35 years to get the opportunity.”
Rahmani stressed that such extensive support from victimized families makes it nearly impossible for the current district attorney to derail.
"The most important thing is that the Menendez Brothers, both inside and outside the court, provided too much support for Hochman to prevent their resentment," he said. It just shows the power of the Netflix series. ”
He added: "The Menendez brothers should be sent to Netflix and former La County Da Gascon Niska this holiday."
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The resentment hearing was on the grounds of new evidence of sexual assault after the brothers filed a petition for habeas protection in May 2023. Former Los Angeles County Da George Gascon then filed a motion in October 2024. Both documents follow the passage of AB 600, a California law that allows for compliance with long-term levied prisoners in order to be consistent with existing laws.
Talia Menendez spoke to reporters after being punished. (Derek Shakes Fox News Numbers)
Gascon recommends that each first-degree murder cost the brothers 25 years, so each brother has a total of 50 years of life. This judgment will qualify them for parole due to the age of the murder period. Gascon cites “a deeper understanding of the complexity of sexual violence around sexual violence” and “the ongoing recovery efforts of Erik and Lyle.”
During Tuesday morning meeting, three Menendez family members were summoned to the stance by defense lawyers in an attempt to convince the judge the brothers to show remorse and have recovered.
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All three witnesses were asked if they thought the male cousin would actually commit Another outrageous crime.
"No chance," said Anamaria Baralt. "I'll bet on my life."
"They don't commit (serious crimes). Because they have so many plans to give back to the world," Tamara Goodall said.
Diane Hernandez said: "Absolutely. No. They are extremely outstanding people now."
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Diane Hernandez is outside the court for a hearing on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Van Nuys, California. (Derek Shakes Fox News Numbers)
Mark Geragos, the Menendez brothers' lawyer, said the family's unified request for respect for the brothers was a "unicorn."
The brothers, 57 and 54, wore blue prison costumes, flashed big smiles after their resentment and waved to family and friends present.
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Menendez Brothers, Erik, Weles and Lyle on the steps of their home in Beverly Hills in November 1989. (Ronald L. Soble / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Erik and Lyle Menendez were imprisoned from San Diego prison via camera and had the opportunity to speak to the court before sentence.
Each brother said about 10 minutes and provided all admission to the crime.
Lyle Menendez spoke first and was responsible for the cold-blooded murder of his parents in Beverly Hills Mansion in 1989.
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"I took all the responsibility. I killed my parents. I chose to kill my mom and dad in my own home."
"I chose to laugh at the justice system. I didn't offer any excuses, nor did I blame my parents," he said.
He continued, "I am impulsive and immature, I am filled with my own emotions and anger. I am scared, but I am also filled with anger." "If I had coping skills and trust others, I wouldn't have done that. Even if I killed him (Jose), I still heard him."
"I feel very ashamed of my work," he said.
After his brother spoke to the court Erik Menendez speaksexpressing his "deep sadness".
Menendez's cousins Mark Geragos and Anamaria Baralt withdrew from the court. (Derek Shakes Fox News Numbers)
He said: "I drove all five rounds to my parents and went back to reloading. I lied to the police. I lied to my family. I was really sorry."
He continued: "My actions are crime, selfish and cowardly. I take full responsibility. I am really sorry. My parents should be alive. Never provide a full cure for my crime." After the bombshell ruling for the resentment of the killer brothers, Glagos won.
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"Two years later, I never thought that after 35 years we were with this great family, I was already in love with love like my own family," Glagos said. "Now we see the pot at the end of the rainbow, so to speak."
After the judge's decision, Los Angeles District Attorney Hochman shared his response to the ruling and said: "Judgement should never be swung by wonder."
"The decision of resentment to Erik and Lyle Menendez is a huge decision with a significant impact on the family, community and judicial principles involved," Hawkman said in a press release. "Our office's motion to withdraw the resentment motion filed by the previous administration ensures that the court presents all facts before such a decision to come to such a result.
"The cases of the Menandes brothers have long been a window for the public to better understand the judicial system. Such cases, like all cases, especially those that attract the public, must be viewed critically. Our opposition and analysis ensure that the courts have obtained a complete and accurate record of facts. The justice should never be shocked by wonder."
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The brothers remained in prison but are now eligible for parole.
Lyle and Erik are already scheduled to appear on the board on June 13 as part of a comprehensive risk assessment report (CRA) ordered by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is considering the brothers’ leniency — a free path to independence. Fox News was told that the two types of parole hearings could not be combined.
The parole board is expected to submit its wide recommendation to Newsom on the June date.
Newsom can also commute their sentences at any time.
Fox News' Lee Ross contributed to the report.