Image Credit: AFP via Getty Images
Lyle and Erik Menendez continue to serve life sentences in prison for the brutal murders of their parents on August 20, 1989.
Thirty-five years later, the case of the Menendez brothers has garnered renewed attention, largely due to Ryan Murphy‘s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, followed by a Netflix documentary that included previously unreleased phone call recordings between the brothers and director Alejandro Hartmann.
With growing public interest in the case and the allegations of sexual abuse that Judge Stanley Weisberg had barred from the trial, the Menendez brothers are seeing a potential path to freedom. In early October, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that his office was reviewing the case after the brothers’ attorneys requested that prosecutors recommend a resentencing, a move that could potentially lead to their release. However, with the upcoming transition to new DA Nathan Hochman, who is set to take office on December 2, there has been a slight delay in the review process.
As news about the Menendez brothers’ case continues to unfold, here’s a look back at the brothers at the time of the incident, how old they are now, and more.
How Old Were Lyle and Erik When They Killed Their Parents?
Lyle and Erik were 21 and 18 years old, respectively, when they shot and killed their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in their family’s Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. The couple was in their 40s at the time of their deaths.
Erik Menendez, left, and his brother Lyle, in front of their Beverly Hills home. (Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
How Old Were the Menendez Brothers When They Were Sentenced?
In 1996, the Menendez brothers were found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing their parents. At that time, Lyle was 28 and Erik was 25.
Erik Menendez, left, and his brother Lyle, wearing jail outfits, are led into courtroom. June 15, 1990. (Larry Davis / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
How Old Are the Menendez Brothers Now?
As of 2024, Lyle is now 56 years old, with his birthday on January 10. Erik is 53 but will turn 54 on November 27.
Are the Menendez Brothers Getting a New Sentence?
Erik and Lyle’s resentencing hearing has been scheduled for December 11, allowing Hochman more time to complete his review of the case. California Governor Gavin Newsom also announced that he will delay making a clemency decision, deferring to the new district attorney. He stated that he “recognizes that voters have entrusted District Attorney-elect Hochman to carry out this responsibility” and “will defer to the DA-elect’s review and analysis of the Menendez case prior to making any clemency decisions.”
Prosecutors have previously submitted a recommendation for the brothers’ resentencing, suggesting they receive a new sentence of 50 years to life. Since they were under 26 years old at the time of the crimes, they would be eligible for parole immediately under a California law that went into effect in 2018.
The Menendez brothers previously had a court hearing set for November 29, 2024, according to Variety, which followed the discovery of evidence suggesting that their father, Jose, sexually abused his children.
“We have been given evidence, including a photocopy of a letter allegedly sent by one of the brothers to another family member, discussing being the victim of molestation,” Gascón shared at the time, per the outlet. He also mentioned, “We’ve received evidence provided by the defense, including claims from a member of the Menudo band who alleged he was molested by the father.”
Roy Rosselló, a former member of the Puerto Rican boy band sensation Menudo, spoke out in the 2023 Peacock documentary Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed, where he alleged that he was abused by the music executive when he was 14.
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).
