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The Menéndez brothers, Lyle and Erik, were a part of one of the highest-profile murder cases of their time. In August 1989, they initially claimed to have found their parents dead in the family’s Beverly Hills home, but eventually, evidence was discovered that supported the possibility of their involvement. Since the family patriarch was a wealthy entertainment executive, there was an added element of intrigue to the situation, which has continued for decades.

As the case unfolded, Lyle and Erik claimed they had been abused at the hands of Jose Menéndez. This situation was a complex case to crack due to the circumstances, but they were ultimately sentenced to life in prison. Now, the brothers may have a chance to plead their case and be released early. Here’s what we know about the situation.  

How long have the Menéndez brothers been in jail? What was their original sentence?

(Ronald L. Soble / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Erik and Lyle Menéndez were just 18 and 21 years old when they brutally murdered their parents at the end of the ’80s, although it wasn’t until 1996 that they were convicted. After a mistrial, the brothers were found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, as well as conspiracy to commit murder. This resulted in matching life sentences in prison without the possibility of parole.

Even though they cited abuse as the motivating factor, their parents’ wealth raised suspicion amongst law enforcement and others who were actively keeping up with the case. As of 2025, the Menéndez brothers have spent over 35 years of their lives incarcerated – but things could rapidly change, should upcoming court proceedings go in their favor.

What is parole, and when will Lyle and Erik be eligible?

Parole is a supervised early release from prison, typically with specific behavioral guidelines. As USA Today reports, ever since Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic changed the Menéndez brothers’ sentence on May 13, the brothers have had a chance at parole. According to California law, the reduced prison sentence of 50 years to life (instead of life without parole) makes them eligible.

Per People, Jesic’s decision comes as a result of Lyle and Erik’s positive conduct during their decades behind bars, as well as new evidence pointing to their late father’s alleged abuse. Since then, the California Parole Board has assessed the risk of potentially releasing the brothers.

While the ruling has created many opportunities for the Menéndez brothers, it only allows them to be eligible for parole for now. In order to be released, the state’s parole board will have to declare them suitable and not a significant threat to public safety. The parole board is expected to decide, or at least submit a clemency recommendation, by June 13, as The US Sun notes. After that, Governor Gavin Newsom can reject or affirm the recommendation for up to 120 days.

Netflix’s ‘Monsters’ series thrust the siblings back into the spotlight

The Netflix drama Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez put the embattled siblings back on the (cultural) map in 2024. As BBC reports, the Ryan Murphy series shed a controversial light on their story and made the case more relevant to current generations. It even received attention from high-profile celebrities, including Kim Kardashian, who is an active advocate for criminal justice reform. In October 2024, the socialite posted them on Instagram with the caption, “It’s time for the Menéndez brothers to be freed.” 

Thanks to the advocacy from Kardahian and others, a resentencing became more of a public concern. With media attention on them after years of being out of the public eye, people have been naturally curious and Erik and Lyle’s life now.

While these actions certainly do not excuse their crimes, Judge Michael Jesic has expressed that the two don’t pose an “unreasonable risk” if they are released from prison, per NBC. They have also expressed remorse. For example, Erik Menéndez told the courts, “I had to stop being selfish and immature to really understand what my parents went through in those last moments.” So, there has clearly been a change in the tide for the two brothers. But the big question is, do the courts agree?

Do the Menéndez brothers have any money?

At one point, the Menéndez brothers were incredibly wealthy. According to Hollywood Life, their parents’ estate was worth a whopping $14.5 million when they passed. So when their parents were murdered, they did gain an inheritance. Although Lyle and Erik inherited a significant amount of money with no obstacles between them and wealth, it went quickly. By 1994, they reportedly spent $10 million. A lot of that money went towards their legal defense team, but they did spend frivolously before their arrest as well.

As of now, the brothers have no access to their inheritance. This is due to California’s “Slayer’s Statute,” which declares they can’t get their inheritance since they were found guilty of their parents’ murders.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old are the Menéndez brothers?

As of this writing, the Menéndez brothers are 57 (Lyle) and 53 (Erik), after 35 years in prison. 

Are the Menéndez brothers married?

Both brothers got married while incarcerated, according to People. Lyle was married to Anna Erickson from 1996 to 2001, but remarried in 2003 to his current wife, Rebecca. She announced last year that they were separated. Erik, on the other hand, married his wife Tammi in 1999.

Ice cream producer Wells Dairy has recalled some of its frozen goods products due to a possible contamination with plastic.

Wells Dairy, which send its goods to over 100 U.S. facilities, voluntarily initiated the recall on April 25 and acknowledged that the plastic may cause dental injury or choking, Newsweek reported.

What are the recalled Wells Dairy products?

The Wells Dairy recall involves various ice cream flavors and other brands, including 5,280 tubs of Vanilla Frozen Yogurt. While some of the products are private-label, the recall also involves partner-distributed brands, according to Newsweek. The recalled ice cream flavors include Rocky Road, Mocha Almond Fudge Ice Cream, Peanut Butter ‘N Fudge and Country Rich Vanilla.

Where were the recalled ice cream products from Wells Dairy?

The affected Wells Dairy goods were sold in 3-gallon containers and distributed to 103 centers. Some of the locations included restaurants, cafeterias and other food service facilities.

How does the FDA classify Wells Dairy’s ice cream recall?

The FDA has categorized the Wells Dairy recall as Class II, meaning there is a risk of temporary or medically reversible consequences if the product is consumed. However, a Class II category also means there is a very small chance of getting harmed from the product.

What are experts saying about Wells Dairy’s recalled ice cream products?

Byron D. Chaves, a professor at the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said the ice cream products may have been recalled early enough to minimize the risk of harm to consumers.

“The recall was classified as Class II, so not the highest risk level,” Chaves told Newsweek. “This makes me think that either the product is not in retail yet, potentially distribution centers or warehouses where it can be more easily retrieved, or that the pieces might be large enough for the consumer to see them and avoid them.”

“Hard plastic, for example, may originate from ingredients like toppings or from utensils such as mixing paddles,” he added. “Such incidents can indicate a breach in supplier controls and good manufacturing practices. In rare cases, packaging materials may be the source. Ice cream tubes are typically made of high-density polyethylene, which resists cracking under freezing conditions. However, lids can occasionally break and introduce foreign material.”

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Ben Cohen, co-founder of the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream franchise, was one of seven people arrested Wednesday for disrupting a hearing in which Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was testifying before a Senate committee. Cohen has been politically vocal on many issues throughout the years.

Cohen, others protest war in Gaza, Medicaid cuts

Several people, including Cohen himself, posted a video of the protest and arrest on social media. In the video, Kennedy appears startled as several protesters suddenly interrupt the hearing behind him, shouting from the audience before being physically removed by security. The video later cuts to a hallway, where Cohen is being taken away with his hands restrained behind his back. When asked by someone why he is being arrested, Cohen responds, “Congress kills poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs and pays for it by kicking kids off Medicaid in the U.S.”

I told Congress they’re killing poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs, and they’re paying for it by kicking poor kids off Medicaid in the US. This was the authorities’ response. pic.twitter.com/uOf7xrzzWM— Ben Cohen (@YoBenCohen) May 14, 2025

Seven people, including Cohen, were arrested for the protest and charged with a variety of offenses. Cohen and others were charged with the misdemeanor offense of “crowding, obstructing or incommoding,” a charge typically used against disruptive protesters. Some of the other people arrested with him face more serious charges, including resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer.

History of Ben & Jerry’s political activism

Cohen and co-founder Jerry Greenfield started their eponymous ice cream chain in 1978. The two have long been publicly vocal about a variety of progressive causes, including LGBTQ+ rights and environmental issues. The duo sold the Ben & Jerry’s company to conglomerate Unilever in 2000. The deal between the two companies was structured to include safeguards for Ben & Jerry’s continued activism, but the chain’s co-founders have since clashed with the corporate giant over differences concerning political activism. In 2021, Ben & Jerry’s announced that it would no longer sell in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza, and the ice cream chain has been advocating for a ceasefire in the current war in Gaza. Ben & Jerry’s recently filed a lawsuit against Unilever, accusing the latter of firing the ice cream company’s CEO because of the chain’s continued political activism.

Contentious hearings for RFK Jr.

The protest disrupted a contentious day of hearings between Kennedy and members of Congress. The Health and Human Services secretary appeared before members of the House Appropriations and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committees. Kennedy was questioned about mass layoffs within the department, part of a wider trend, as the Trump administration has been slashing the federal workforce and scaling back or eliminating programs and agencies across the government. Kennedy was also grilled over his long and controversial history of vaccine skepticism, particularly given notable measles outbreaks occurring in Texas and other states. In one telling exchange over whether he would vaccinate his own children for measles, Kennedy — the top health care public official in the country — stated, “I don’t think people should be taking advice, medical advice from me.”

WOW RFK Jr. finally says something intelligent:”I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me” pic.twitter.com/o3vwzZIOji— Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) May 14, 2025

One person who Kennedy will probably not take advice from is Cohen, who made his opinion on the Trump administration clear during his protest. As Kennedy and other Trump officials continue to enact a host of controversial policies on everything from health care to foreign policy, it’s likely that more protests like Cohen’s will occur.