The Menendez Brothers’ Prison Life Revealed Ahead of Resentencing

Lyle and Erik Menéndez have spent 35 years of their life in prison for the double murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menéndez.

At the time, the brothers pled that their actions were done in self-defense against their father, who had sexually abused them for many years.

Despite this, they were sentenced to life in prison without parole, as police deemed that the primary motivation for the crime was wealth.

Over three decades on, and the brothers’ may finally get the chance to enjoy freedom again, starting with a probable parole. Here’s how everything stands so far.

Lyle and Erik Menéndez’s Attorneys Seek To Highlight the Brothers’ Good Behavior In Resentencing Case

Lyle and Erik have gone through many prison rehabilitation programs since their arrest at age 21 and 18 respectively. They have gotten education, participated in various self-help classes and even started various support groups to help out their fellow inmates.

In their bid to either win a shorter prison sentence for the brothers or at least grant them immediate parole, their attorneys are said to be focused on highlighting their good behavior.

Former District Attorney George Gascón granted the brothers’ a sliver of hope when he asked the court to consider a new sentence for the brothers.

The resentencing petition filed by Gascón’s office included nearly minute details of how the brothers have spent their years in prison.

In an April 2024 memo supporting Lyle’s resentencing, correctional Lieutenant Victor Cortes wrote of his “exceptional conduct, a high degree of character and trustworthiness”

In addition to this, Corrections Officer D. Rosario also vouched for Erik in a 2016 memo where he wrote, “As far as I can perceive from my professional training as a correctional peace officer, Erik Menendez is a rehabilitated man who humbly strives toward helping those in need.”

With these mighty praises, you’d think the brothers’ case is clinched. Sadly for them, Gascón’s successor, Nathan Hochman, believes their sentencing merits the level of their crimes and is thereby working to block the resentencing petition.

Lyle Menéndez Has Never Fought In Prison

Apart from the brothers’ rehabilitation, they also have an overall good behavior score and are said to be the inmates serving a life sentence with the lowest possible risk.

Lyle, for example, was moved to a Special Needs Yard in 1997 because “he wouldn’t fight back when attacked.”

In contrast, Erik has fought twice, and it counts among his overall eight violations in prison.
Lyle, on the other hand, has accumulated just five violations, most of which include possessing contrabands like cellphones, lighter and Adidas Shoes.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with the Menéndez Brothers right now. Come back here often for all Menéndez Brothers spoilers, news, and updates.

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