Menendez brothers granted early parole suitability hearing scheduled for March 2027

Erik and Lyle Menendez on Monday were granted an early parole suitability hearing, which is tentatively scheduled for March 2027. The pair were originally sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. Relatives of the brothers advocated for resentencing and release, and the siblings were granted resentencing in May 2025 to 50 years to life in prison. The resentencing made them eligible for parole, ABC News reported. In August 2025, the brothers were denied parole due to violations in prison, including illegal cellphones. Erik Menendez was also alleged to have links to a prison gang at one time. Based on that conduct, the parole board said the pair weren't suitable for parole, despite the family saying they were model prisoners. The brothers were previously eligible to apply for a hearing with the California Board of Parole in August 2028. During their trial in 1993, prosecutors allege the brothers killed their wealthy parents for financial gain, and among the evidence prosecutors presented was the spending spree the siblings went on after the killing. The defense argued they acted in self-defense after enduring years of sexual, physical and emotional abuse at the hands of their parents.