There were two trials regarding the murders. The first trial went from 1993 to 1994 and ended in a mistrial. The second trial lasted from 1995 to 1996. On July 2, 1996, both brothers were initially sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. 

Erik and Lyle watched the resentencing hearing via video from prison on Tuesday and provided statements to Judge Michael Jesic, according to reports.

“I killed my mom and dad,” said Lyle Menendez. “I give no excuses.”

“I committed an atrocious act,” Erik Menendez said to Jesic. “My actions were criminal, selfish, and cowardly.”

“No excuse,” he added. “No justification for what I did.”

Both brothers admitted to lying over the years about the details of their case and apologized for doing so. 

Tuesday’s resentencing was the culmination of a long process. Former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon initially requested the motion for resentencing in October 2024. The brothers have the support of over 20 family members pushing for their release. They started the Erik and Lyle Coalition to aid their efforts, according to reports. And while the brothers are still in prison, the resentencing allows the brothers the possibility of parole. 

“I am touched and humbled by the outpouring of support,” Erik Menendez said in a statement on Tuesday night.

“This has to be the first step in giving people who have no hope in prison some hope,” Menendez added. “My goal is to ensure there are no more people spending 35 years in prison without hope. That possibility of having hope that rehabilitation works is more important than anything that happened to me today.”