Brothers serving life for murdering their parents could be let out of jail in weeks
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Two brothers serving life for murdering both of their parents could be let out of jail within just weeks. Lyle and Erik Menendez are to be resentenced despite being jailed for shooting dead Jose and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menendez in their own home. Family members have even jumped to support the siblings, who were convicted in 1996, seven years after the murders.
A recent Netflix drama and documentary film have led to the recommendation for resentencing, which could mean immediate release from prison for the brothers. It could also lessen their sentences or tighten any restrictions. The appeal was supposed to take place on January 30 and 31 but it has now been delayed until March 20 and 21, due to wildfires continuing to rage across southern California. The murders have hit the headlines in recent months after the release of drama series Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story and documentary film titled The Menendez Brothers, both on streaming service Netflix.
The Menendez brothers, who were interviewed for scenes in the latter, have never disputed that they fired the fatal shots. However, have always claimed their actions were an act of self-defence, rooted in physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their father.
At the last court hearing, family members of the pair made compassionate pleas advocating for the brothers' freedom. Joan VanderMolen, sister of Kitty Menendez, told the court that no child should have to endure what the brothers did "at the hands of their father". The 93-year-old woman added: "I love Erik and Lyle and I want them to come home.".
