Freedom Awaits? The Menendez Brothers Face New Path to Potential Release
In a twist that could change everything for the infamous Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle may soon see the doors of their prison cell open without needing a stamp of approval from a judge. California Governor Gavin Newsom is steering this ship, having recently requested the California Board of Parole to delve into a “risk assessment investigation” concerning the brothers. This request could indeed make the upcoming resentencing hearing feel like a mere formality.
For those who have been living under a rock, the Menendez brothers were convicted for the brutal 1989 murders of their parents, Lyle and Erik have spent more than three decades behind bars, and both have been vocal about their past and the changes they’ve undergone during their time in prison. Their recent phone appearance on TMZ’s “2 Angry Men” podcast added just a sprinkle of drama to the already loaded storyline as they fought to present themselves as reformed inmates.
What’s the game plan here? The Board will hold a sort of parole hearing, wherein they’ll assess whether Erik and Lyle pose a threat to public safety based on their records and behavior in prison. This includes cutting through all the red tape to understand if they’ve truly changed or are just seeking freedom after a long stint. The Governor will ultimately receive the Board’s findings, but here’s where it gets sticky: if a judge were to resentence them, that decision would also bounce back to the Parole Board to review their risk assessment. So the judge’s input might just be an unnecessary step in the whole process.
Even if the Parole Board recommends that the brothers are no longer a risk and should be released, the final decision still falls on Newsom’s desk. Buzz is that he already has a clemency petition awaiting his attention. Therefore, all eyes are on the Governor, as he now holds the keys to their potential release. So, what does this mean for the Menendez brothers? Well, you might just want to keep your popcorn ready—this saga is far from over.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and TMZ, Los Angeles Times, BBC News
