Context:

Nearly three decades after their conviction for the murders of their parents, Erik and Lyle Menendez have had their sentences reduced from life without parole to 50 years to life by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic, making them immediately eligible for parole. The brothers, who admitted to the killings but claimed self-defense due to alleged sexual abuse by their father, have spent the majority of their lives in prison and have shown significant rehabilitation, according to a supportive prison official. A scheduled parole board hearing on June 13 will determine if they will be granted parole, with the final decision resting with California Governor Gavin Newsom. The brothers have garnered renewed support from family and the public, with advocates arguing their sentences should be reconsidered in light of a deeper understanding of childhood sexual abuse. However, critics, including the current district attorney, argue the murders were motivated by greed and have called for the brothers to fully acknowledge their actions before being considered for parole.

Dive Deeper:

• Lyle and Erik Menendez, convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, have had their sentences reduced to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole after nearly three decades in prison. This decision by Judge Michael Jesic reflects their efforts at rehabilitation and the influence of public campaigns for their release.

• The brothers, aged 21 and 18 at the time of the murders, have claimed self-defense due to years of sexual abuse by their father, although prosecutors argued the crimes were financially motivated. Their initial trials resulted in deadlocked juries, leading to a 1996 conviction of first-degree murder.

• Judge Jesic noted the brothers' positive contributions in prison, including developing programs for disabled and elderly inmates and raising funds for a beautification initiative, as factors in his decision to reduce their sentences.

• A parole hearing is set for June 13, with the potential for the board to recommend parole to Governor Gavin Newsom, who then has 120 days to make a final decision. This hearing is part of broader efforts by the brothers to seek clemency and a new trial.

• Public support for the Menendez brothers' release has intensified, particularly after new allegations against their father emerged, adding weight to their claims of abuse. Advocates argue that changing cultural perceptions of childhood sexual abuse should impact the severity of their sentences.

• Erik Menendez expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized the importance of maintaining hope for those serving long sentences without parole, while both brothers took full responsibility for their crimes, acknowledging the gravity of their actions.

• Opponents of their release, including current District Attorney Nathan Hochman, maintain that the abuse claims are fabricated and that the murders were calculated, citing a moderate risk of violence if the brothers are released.