LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, are set to begin their parole hearings on Thursday, marking a significant moment as it represents their first opportunity for potential freedom since their convictions nearly 30 years ago for murdering their parents. The two were sentenced in 1996 to life in prison for the 1989 fatal shootings of their father, Jose Menendez, and mother, Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion.

The case has remained highly contentious. Defense attorneys contended that Erik and Lyle acted out of self-defense after enduring years of sexual abuse from their father, while prosecutors argued that the brothers were motivated by a desire for a multimillion-dollar inheritance. Recently, in May, a Los Angeles judge reduced their sentences from life without the possibility of parole to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole under the California law, as they committed their crimes when they were under 26 years old.

The road to parole, however, may still be long. Even if the parole board decides to grant their release, it could take months before they are actually free, if at all. The hearings will take place over videoconference from prison in San Diego, with Erik Menendez scheduled for a hearing on Thursday morning, followed by Lyle on Friday. The panel of parole hearing officers will individually assess the Menendez brothers, evaluating factors such as their criminal history, motivations for the crime, signs of remorse, behavior in prison, and plans for their futures.

If the board approves their parole, the chief legal counsel will review each case for 120 days. Following that, California Governor Gavin Newsom will have an additional 30 days to either affirm or deny their parole. Newsom has not indicated whether he is likely to support their release, though he has previously opposed parole for high-profile cases, such as Sirhan Sirhan, who assassinated Robert F. Kennedy in 1968.

The Menendez brothers have garnered support from family members, who are expected to provide statements during the hearings. Their relatives claim that “for more than 35 years, they have shown sustained growth” and have taken accountability for their actions, expressing sincere remorse while building meaningful lives in prison defined by purpose and service.

The case has captivated true crime aficionados for decades, spawning numerous documentaries and television specials. Notably, the Netflix drama “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” has reinvigorated public interest in their case, leading to an increase in support for their release, bolstered by a growing recognition of their claims of being victims of sexual abuse.

The previous LA County district attorney played a pivotal role in this process by asking a judge to reconsider their sentences last fall, which set the stage for the current hearings. Current LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has expressed opposition to their release, citing a lack of demonstrated insight into their crimes. He has compared their situation to that of Sirhan, who was denied parole because of a similar perceived lack of insight.

Definitions of “insight” in this context involve fully comprehending the responsibility for their actions and the underlying issues, such as anger and substance abuse, that may have influenced their decisions. While Erik and Lyle’s educational achievements and involvement in volunteer programs are viewed positively, there have been concerns regarding recent rules violations in prison. Reports indicated that Lyle was cited for possession of a cellphone multiple times in 2024 and that Erik was found with a cellphone in January 2024. Experts suggest that such violations could significantly impact their chances of parole.

Ultimately, the parole decisions will hinge on the individual commissioners’ evaluations, which could be influenced by factors such as the brothers’ notoriety and the support from family members. The California Department of Corrections has designated a media representative to observe the hearings virtually and relay information to the press at intervals.