Menendez Brothers' June Hearing Changed from Clemency to Parole Ahead of Governor Newsom's Decision
The Menendez brothers are scheduled to attend a hearing in June, which was changed from a clemency hearing to a parole hearing, potentially paving the way for their release after serving 35 years for their parents' murders.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has withdrawn his request for a clemency investigation into the Menendez brothers, setting the stage for an upcoming parole hearing that could see Erik and Lyle Menendez granted early release.
Newsom’s office has confirmed that the hearing originally scheduled as a clemency review on June 13 will now be converted into a parole suitability hearing. The governor’s office stated, "the clemency application is still considered active," but agreed with the state Board of Parole Hearings’ recommendation to make this change.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation echoed this decision, confirming the June 13 session would become an "initial parole suitability hearing." The department indicated that all parties have an opportunity to raise objections to this shift before the board.
Lyle Menendez Responds
Lyle Menendez addressed the recent developments on social media, writing, "I told you all things were fluid. And it was just announced and I can confirm that the Governor has withdrawn his request for clemency investigation and will no longer be entertaining that scenario. June 13 will be a parole board hearing." He added, "It is very rare for an incarcerated person to be granted parole on their first try. But we move onward."
Recent Legal Decisions Clear Path for Parole
The two brothers, convicted in 1996 for the brutal shotgun murders of their parents, José and Mary "Kitty" Menendez, have spent 35 years behind bars. Originally sentenced to life without parole after high-profile trials, a decision by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic earlier this week reduced their sentences to 50 years-to-life, making them formally eligible for parole consideration.
Judge Jesic clarified, "I’m not suggesting they should be released [on parole]. That’s not for me to decide," emphasizing that the parole process itself will determine if either brother is suitable for release.
Clemency Application and Risk Assessment
In October, attorney Mark Geragos filed clemency documents with the governor’s office following a request from former Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón to reduce the brothers’ sentences. Gascón stated, "I strongly support clemency for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are currently serving sentences of life without possibility of parole. They have served 34 years and have continued their educations and worked to create new programs to support the rehabilitation of fellow inmates."
Responding to these requests, Newsom ordered a "comprehensive risk assessment investigation" of both men, noting that such measures are a "common procedure carried out by the state." The governor emphasized, "There's no guarantee of outcome here... this process simply provides more transparency... and due diligence before I make any determination for clemency."
Newsom elaborated during a news conference, stating, "We started a process, as you know, which was intended to help inform the judge in the resentencing of the risk assessment. We thought that would be prudent to do before any resentencing. That process has unfolded over the course of the last number of months, and forensic psychologists did an assessment of the risk of each individual brother." The legal standard in California for parole requires determining whether an inmate would pose an unreasonable risk to public safety.
"This process doesn’t mean there’s any guaranteed outcome, but it shows we’re doing our due diligence, ensuring transparency, keeping public safety at the forefront, making sure the process is fair for everyone involved and getting closer to a conclusion," Newsom's office noted.
What Happens Next?
The parole board will convene for the June 13 hearing as scheduled. At stake is the possibility of freedom for Erik and Lyle Menendez after more than three decades behind bars. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Neama Rahmani predicted, "Erik and Lyle Menendez will likely be freed in a matter of months," adding he does not expect the parole board or the governor to block their release.
The Menendez brothers’ case, which has long captured public attention, now faces a pivotal moment as the parole process unfolds.