LOS ANGELES — Erik and Lyle Menendez are set to present their cases for parole, beginning Thursday. This marks a significant moment for the brothers, who have been incarcerated for nearly 30 years for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home.

The Menendez brothers were sentenced to life in prison in 1996 after being convicted of fatally shooting their parents. Their defense claimed they acted in self-defense due to years of sexual abuse by their father. In contrast, prosecutors argued that the brothers were motivated by a desire to inherit their parents' wealth.

In May, a Los Angeles judge modified their sentences from life without parole to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole under California law. This change was possible because they were under 26 years old at the time of the crime. However, even if the parole board approves their release, it may take months before they are actually freed.

The parole hearings will be conducted separately for each brother. Erik Menendez will have his hearing on Thursday morning, followed by Lyle Menendez on Friday. Both will participate via videoconference from a prison in San Diego. The board will evaluate whether releasing the brothers would pose an “unreasonable risk of danger to society.” Factors considered will include their criminal history, motivations for the crime, signs of remorse, behavior in prison, and future plans.

If the board grants parole, the chief legal counsel will have 120 days to review the decision. Following that, California Governor Gavin Newsom will have 30 days to affirm or deny the parole. Newsom has previously ordered a risk assessment for the brothers in response to a clemency request but has not indicated whether he supports their release. He has denied parole in other high-profile cases, including that of Sirhan Sirhan, who assassinated Robert F. Kennedy in 1968.

The Menendez brothers have family support, with relatives expected to speak on their behalf during the hearings. Their family stated, “For more than 35 years, they have shown sustained growth. They’ve taken full accountability. They express sincere remorse to our family to this day and have built a meaningful life defined by purpose and service.”

The case has drawn significant public interest over the years, inspiring numerous documentaries and dramatizations, including a Netflix series titled "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story." Increased awareness of the brothers' claims of being victims of sexual abuse has garnered them a dedicated group of supporters, some of whom have traveled to Los Angeles to rally for their release.

The previous Los Angeles County district attorney initiated the process for the brothers' potential freedom by requesting a sentence reduction last fall. This decision faced opposition from current prosecutors. District Attorney Nathan Hochman has publicly stated his opposition to the brothers' parole, arguing they have “not demonstrated full insight into their crimes,” and likening them to Sirhan.

Michael Beckman, a lawyer specializing in parole hearings, explained that insight involves taking full responsibility for one's actions and understanding the underlying factors that contributed to the crime. Positive factors in the brothers' favor include their college degrees, participation in volunteer programs, and Lyle's record of good behavior in prison. However, recent rule violations could negatively impact their chances. Reports indicate that Lyle was cited for possessing a cellphone multiple times in 2024, while Erik was found with one in January.

Beckman noted, “The board is really big on the philosophy that if you can’t follow the rules in prison, you can’t follow the rules in free society.” He added that parole decisions ultimately depend on individual commissioners, who may consider the brothers' celebrity status and family support in their evaluations. A media representative has been designated to observe the proceedings virtually and share updates with the press.