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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, especially as the latest subjects of Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan‘s Monster anthology series titled Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. This was shortly followed by a Netflix documentary featuring recorded phone calls between the brothers and director Alejandro Hartmann from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, where they are serving their sentences.
With increasing public interest in the case and the allegations of sexual abuse that Judge Stanley Weisberg barred from the trial, the Menendez brothers may be getting a chance at freedom. In early October, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that his office is reviewing the case after lawyers representing the brothers requested prosecutors to recommend a resentencing, a move that could potentially lead to their release. A recommendation was expected soon.
As news about the Menendez brothers’ case continues to unfold, here’s a look back at the brothers at the time of the incident and how old they are now.
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?
Prosecutors are revisiting the brothers’ convictions in the killings of their parents, and a recommendation from the district attorney is expected this week, possibly paving the way for a path to their release from prison.
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).
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