A Los Angeles judge has officially reduced the sentences of Erik and Lyle Menendez, offering the infamous brothers the possibility of parole more than 30 years after they shot and killed their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion.

On Tuesday, Judge Michael Jesic resentenced the brothers to 50 years to life with the possibility of parole, citing their extensive rehabilitation efforts while incarcerated. The decision followed emotional testimony from family members and prison staff who described the brothers' attempts to make amends, as well as their involvement in educational and humanitarian programs in prison.

Despite opposition from the district attorney—who argued the brothers had not fully accepted responsibility—Judge Jesic acknowledged that state guidelines allowed for resentencing. The brothers, now aged 54 and 57, have been imprisoned since 1990 and were originally sentenced in 1996 to life without parole.

In court, both Erik and Lyle Menendez delivered heartfelt statements. Erik expressed remorse, saying he had matured enough to finally understand the terror his parents must have experienced in their final moments. Lyle, his voice breaking, apologized to his family for the pain he caused and the public humiliation they endured.

The Menendez brothers have long claimed they killed their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in self-defense after enduring years of sexual and emotional abuse. Their trial gripped the nation in the 1990s and was recently reignited by Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and other media projects, which brought new attention and calls for clemency from public figures such as Kim Kardashian and Rosie O'Donnell.

Judge Jesic acknowledged the horrific nature of the murders, noting the brothers reloaded their shotguns and continued firing at close range. But he also recognized their significant contributions behind bars—highlighting their work in developing educational programs and a hospice initiative for elderly and terminally ill inmates.

Outside the courtroom, defense attorney Mark Geragos called the decision “a great day,” saying the brothers were “one step closer to coming home.” Family members, including cousin Anamaria Baralt, embraced with tears and smiles. Baralt testified earlier in court, saying she has maintained close contact with the brothers and believes they are no longer the same people who committed the murders.

"They’ve taken ownership," she told the court. “They are very different men from the boys they were.”

The next step in the brothers’ potential release lies with the California parole board, which has scheduled a hearing for June 13. Governor Gavin Newsom has also requested a clemency review, which could lead to a reduced sentence or pardon.

A risk assessment commissioned by the state has already been completed, reportedly indicating a “moderate risk of violence,” though the full details have not been made public.

Despite the recent ruling, prosecutors remain skeptical. Deputy District Attorney Habib Balian emphasized in his closing remarks that while the brothers have shown positive behavior in prison, their past lies and the brutal nature of the crime cannot be overlooked.

Still, the resentencing marks a major turning point in one of America’s most notorious criminal cases—leaving open the possibility that the Menendez brothers may one day walk free.