The Menéndez brothersLyle and Erik, whose 1990 conviction for the brutal murder of their parents captivated the nation, are making headlines again as Los Angeles County prosecutors recommend a new conviction for the 1989 murders at the family’s Beverly home Hills.

The decision, announced by District Attorney George Gascón during a press conference on Thursday, October 24, opens the possibility of freedom for the brothers after 34 years behind bars.

The move reflects a reassessment of the Menéndez brothers’ lengthy incarceration, offering them a potential path to freedom after 34 years behind bars.

Los Angeles County prosecutors are recommending that Erik and Lyle Menéndez be resentenced

Joseph “Lyle” Menendez And Erik Galen Menendez were found guilty of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menéndez, in their Los Angeles home on August 20, 1989. The couple was discovered in the living room, fatally shot with two 12-gauge shotguns.

The brutality of the crime was so serious that investigators first suspected ties to the mafia, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Jose was shot in the back of the head at close range, with three additional shots to his arms and legs. Kitty, meanwhile, suffered four gunshot wounds to the head and another five in other parts of her body.

A revival of interest in the case of the Menéndez brothers thanks to the Netflix series

During the first trial in 1994, juries were unable to reach a unanimous verdict after hearing testimony from Lyle and Erik, in which they claimed self-defense, arguing that they feared their parents would kill them to expose the alleged abuse that they had undergone. The standoff resulted in a mistrial, which led to a second trial, where the brothers were ultimately convicted.

A resurgence of interest in the Menéndez brothers’ case, sparked by the recent Netflix series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story,” has reignited debates surrounding their possible release from prison.

On Thursday, District Attorney George Gascón announced that Los Angeles County prosecutors are recommending that Erik and Lyle Menéndez be resentenced.

The Menéndez brothers would be immediately eligible for parole if life without the possibility of parole is eliminated

He explained that while the sentence is typically 50 years to life, their age at the time of the crimes — both were under 26 years old — makes them eligible for immediate parole.

“We are going to recommend to the court (Friday) that life without the possibility of parole be removed and they would be convicted of murder,” Gascón said. “I believe they have paid their debt to society. The final decision will be made by the judge.”

The Menéndez brothers’ behavior behind bars played a role in this decision

Gascón stated that his decision was influenced in part by a review of the brothers’ behavior during their captivity.

Despite the prospect of life imprisonment, they refrained from misconduct and did not join gangs, choosing instead to support fellow inmates in improving their lives. He noted that they founded groups aimed at helping prisoners cope with untreated trauma and supporting people with physical disabilities.

In addition, Lyle advocated for better living conditions in prison.

District Attorney George Gascón’s decision comes amid a heated re-election campaign

Amid a heated re-election campaign, Gascón is facing former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman, who released a sharp statement casting doubt on the timing of the re-sentencing decision, highlighting how it coincides with the upcoming election.

At the news conference, Gascón declined to answer reporters’ questions about how the decision might relate to his re-election campaign.