California parole board evaluates Menendez brothers for potential release after sentence reduction
The Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, are scheduled to appear in parole hearings this week after their California sentences were reduced from life without parole to 50 years to life in May. They were convicted in 1996 for murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. The brothers have shown sustained growth over 35 years, including college degrees, volunteer work, and expressing remorse. Despite their efforts, recent rule violations involving cellphones in prison have raised concerns. The parole board will assess their risk to society, with the state's governor, Gavin Newsom, having 30 days to approve or deny parole after the board's decision. The brothers have supporters who argue they were victims of sexual abuse and have built meaningful lives, while prosecutors oppose parole due to perceived lack of insight into their crimes.