Menendez Brothers to spend holidays behind bars.
Lyle and Erik were hoping to be released in time to spend Thanksgiving with their families. The boys have been in prison since 1989 for murdering their parents Jose and Kitty. The trials were news around the world.
Menendez Brothers
The brothers murdered their parents in the summer of 1989.
Their trial brought allegations of sexual, physical and emotional abuse to the forefront. Because Jose was alleged to have physically and sexually abused both boys. Kitty was alleged to have emotionally abused the boys.
Some thought that the murder was plotted and carried out by Lyle and Erik based on greed. Because it was rumored that Jose had cut the boys out from his will. Jose was a successful businessman, who made his money in the music and film industry.
Erik and Kyle were sentenced to life behind bars at the second trial (1995-1996). Their first trial (1993-1994) resulted in a hung jury. The first trial became a media circus making worldwide headlines. But the second was a little less of a circus.
Originally the boys were sent to separate prisons. Lyle was sent to Mule Creek Correctional Institution 500 miles from his brother Erik. In 2024 they were reunited at the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California.
Netflix recently aired a new documentary sanctioned by Lyle. This brought their story back to the forefront of the world. This documentary garnered worldwide support for the brothers and influencers on social media have taken up their cause.
Menendez Brothers New Evidence
New evidence has surfaced that supports the boys claims of sexual abuse by their father Jose. A family relative has come forward with a letter written by Erik outlining the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father written before the murder.
Supporters and a dozen family members have spoken out in support of their release from prison. Because of this support they have been granted a new hearing. Their new lawyer, Mark Geragos was hoping that the brothers would be home in time for Thanksgiving and the Christmas Holidays but that was not to be.
On November 25, 2025 Superior Court Judge Michael Jusic stated “I’m not ready to go forward. I want the new administration to go through the documents.” A new District Attorney takes office on December 3rd 2025.
The Resentencing Hearing was pushed from December 11, 2024 to January 30th & 31st, 2025. Although the judge rescheduled the hearing but he did listen to testimony from both Jose and Kitty’s sisters.
Kyle and Erik were 21 and 18 at the time of the murders. They are now 56 and 53 respectfully. But investigators are also examining allegations from a member of ‘The Menudo’, a 1980 Pop Group; who said he was abused by Jose.
Those allegations came to light during the airing of a documentary aired on Peacock ‘Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed’. But only time will tell if the brothers will be released. It should be noted that the brothers have been ideal prisoners..
Photo Credits: CTV News and Netflix
Quote Excerpt: ABC News
