Lyle and Erik Menendez admittedly killed their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in 1989. The brothers have spent over three decades in prison and are currently incarcerated at California’s Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, but a parole hearing could bring them closer to a potential release after they were resentenced in 2025. Now that the case has garnered renewed interest decades later, many are wondering why Lyle and Erik went through with the murders.
Keep reading to go behind Lyle and Erik’s story, and find out why they shot their parents.
What Did the Menendez Brothers Do?
The Menendez brothers fatally shot their mother and father in their Beverly Hills home with shotguns in 1989. The siblings weren’t initially suspects, and they spent several weeks spending their parents’ fortune on lavish purchases before police arrested them.
Why Did the Menendez Brothers Kill Their Parents?
During the trials in 1993 and 1996, many believed that the brothers committed the murders to secure their inheritance. However, Lyle and Erik claimed that they had suffered emotional, physical and sexual abuse throughout their childhood. They alleged that Kitty was dependent on alcohol and drugs and that José had sexually abused them. In recent years, Roy Rossello, a former member of the boy band Menudo, also accused Jose Menendez of sexually molesting him when he was younger.
These allegations became central in the first trial, which ended in a mistrial. Ultimately, the brothers were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 1996.
When Will Lyle and Erik Get Out of Prison?
There’s a chance that Lyle and Erik could be released from prison over the next several months or years if granted parole in August 2025.
During a press conference in October 2024, former District Attorney Gascón stated, “There was no excuse for murder … because even if you get abused, the right path is to call police, seek help.” However, he acknowledged, “I believe they have paid their debt to society.”
Nathan Hochman was then sworn in as the county’s new DA in December 2024. Initially, Hochman stated he would need time to review the case files before making a decision. He later announced that his office had withdrawn the motion for resentencing, citing a lack of accountability and continued deception by those involved.
On May 13, 2025, during Lyle and Erik’s resentencing hearing, they were resentenced to 50 years to life in prison, making them eligible for parole. Their parole hearings are scheduled to take place on August 21 and 22, 2025.
If you or anyone you know has been sexually abused, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, judgment-free support as well as local resources to assist in healing, recovering and more.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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