LOS ANGELES (AP) — Erik and Lyle Menendez will have a new shot at freedom after 35 years behind bars for murdering their parents, a judge ruled Tuesday.
The ruling from Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic reduced the brothers' sentences from life in prison without parole to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole. The state parole board must decide whether to release them.
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Attorney Mark Geragos, center, representing Erik and Lyle Menendez, gets a hug as leaves the courthouse after the brothers' resentencing hearing Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Anamaria Baralt, left, cousin of Erik and Lyle Menendez, left, gets a hug as she leaves the courthouse after the brothers' resentencing hearing Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Family and supporters of Erik and Lyle Menendez leave court for a lunch break during a hearing in the brothers' case Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman is surrounded by media outside the Van Nuys Courthouse during a hearing in the case of Erik and Lyle Menendez Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Attorney Mark Geragos, center, who represents Erik and Lyle Menendez, leaves the courthouse during break from the brothers' resentencing hearing Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Natasha Blasick holds a sign in support of Erik and Lyle Menendez outside the Van Nuys Courthouse during a hearing in the brothers' case Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Media stage outside the Van Nuys Courthouse for a hearing in the case of Erik and Lyle Menendez Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman arrives in court for a hearing in the case of Erik and Lyle Menendez Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
FILE - Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez leave a courtroom in Santa Monica, Calif., Aug. 6, 1990, after a judge ruled that conversations between the brothers and their psychologist after their parents were slain were not privileged and could be used as evidence. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)
FILE - This combination of two booking photos provided by the California Department of Corrections shows Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez. (California Dept. of Corrections via AP, File)
The judge's decision followed months of pushback from prosecutors who opposed resentencing, arguing the brothers hadn't taken adequate responsibility for their crimes. Ultimately prosecutors did not call any witnesses, saying they had presented all of their evidence.
The defense turned to family members and those who knew the brothers since their conviction to speak to their character and rehabilitation. The brothers also addressed the court via video as family members listened on tearfully. Most of the brothers’ family members, including aunts and uncles, have long supported their bid for freedom.
“On Aug. 20, 1989, I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses and also no justification,” Lyle Menendez said, choking up as he addressed the room. “The impact of my violent actions on my family ... is unfathomable.”
Jesic issued his decision immediately after the brothers spoke. The hearing was slated to last two days, but Jesic made his decision in one, offering the brothers new hope after years of unsuccessful appeals and attempts to win freedom in a case that has captured public attention from the start.
The brothers were convicted in 1996 for murdering their father, Jose Menendez — a powerful record executive — and their mother, Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home in 1989. The brothers were 18 and 21 at the time. While defense attorneys argued the brothers acted out of self-defense after years of sexual abuse by their father, prosecutors said the brothers killed their parents for a multimillion-dollar inheritance.
While the sentence reduction is a major win for the brothers, defense attorney Mark Geragos said he had been seeking to have their charges reduced to manslaughter, which would have allowed them be immediately released. The judge did not go that far.
“I’m not saying they should be released; it’s not for me to decide,” Jesic said. “I do believe they’ve done enough in the past 35 years, that they should get that chance.”
The brothers have an appearance before the parole board on June 13 as part of a risk assessment report ordered by California Gov. Gavin Newsom to aid in his clemency decision.
Erik Menendez also spoke about taking responsibility for his actions and apologized to his family.
“You did not deserve what I did to you, but you inspire me to do better,” he said.
The judge said he was especially moved by a letter from a prison official who supported resentencing, something the official had never done for any incarcerated person in the 25 years of his career.
The defense called several of the brothers’ cousins, a former judge and a former fellow inmate to the witness stand to testify that the brothers were not only rehabilitated but helped others. Prosecutors cross-examined the witnesses but didn’t call any of their own.
“We all, on both sides of the family, believe that 35 years is enough,” said Anamaria Baralt, a cousin. “They are universally forgiven by our family.”
Diane Hernandez, a cousin who also testified during the brothers' first trial, spoke about the abuse she witnessed in the Menendez household when she lived with them.
“When Jose was with one of the boys … you couldn’t even go up the stairs to be on the same floor,” Hernandez said of the brothers' father.
The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly.
“They are a real family,” said Mark Geragos, the brothers’ lead attorney, after the hearing. “Real people who have lived through unimaginable horrors. And I’m hopeful and glad that we’re one huge step closer to bringing the boys home.”
Los Angeles County prosecutors argued against the resentencing. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman has said the brothers had not taken complete responsibility for the crime.
Geragos emphasized that the purpose of resentencing is to “encourage rehabilitation," not relitigate the original crime.
“We have evolved,” Geragos said. “This is not the ’90s anymore. We have a more robust understanding of a lot of things.”
The previous LA County District Attorney George Gascón had opened the door to possible freedom for the brothers last fall by asking a judge to reduce their sentences. Since their conviction, the brothers have gotten an education, participated in self-help classes and started various support groups for fellow people in prison, his office said in a petition.
A former judge who said he considered himself tough on crime, Jonathan Colby, told the court that spending time with the brothers and witnessing their growth made him believe in rehabilitation.
Anerae Brown, who had been formerly incarcerated, cried as he testified about how the brothers helped him heal and eventually be released through parole.
“I have children now,” he said. “Without Lyle and Erik I might still be sitting in there doing stupid things.”
This story has been updated to correct the ruling was issued Tuesday, not Friday, fixes the spelling of Baralt's first name and corrects that the defense attorney, not the judge, wanted the charges reduced to manslaughter.
Attorney Mark Geragos, center, representing Erik and Lyle Menendez, gets a hug as leaves the courthouse after the brothers' resentencing hearing Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Anamaria Baralt, left, cousin of Erik and Lyle Menendez, left, gets a hug as she leaves the courthouse after the brothers' resentencing hearing Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Family and supporters of Erik and Lyle Menendez leave court for a lunch break during a hearing in the brothers' case Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman is surrounded by media outside the Van Nuys Courthouse during a hearing in the case of Erik and Lyle Menendez Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Attorney Mark Geragos, center, who represents Erik and Lyle Menendez, leaves the courthouse during break from the brothers' resentencing hearing Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Natasha Blasick holds a sign in support of Erik and Lyle Menendez outside the Van Nuys Courthouse during a hearing in the brothers' case Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Media stage outside the Van Nuys Courthouse for a hearing in the case of Erik and Lyle Menendez Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman arrives in court for a hearing in the case of Erik and Lyle Menendez Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
FILE - Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez leave a courtroom in Santa Monica, Calif., Aug. 6, 1990, after a judge ruled that conversations between the brothers and their psychologist after their parents were slain were not privileged and could be used as evidence. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)
FILE - This combination of two booking photos provided by the California Department of Corrections shows Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez. (California Dept. of Corrections via AP, File)
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 16, 2025--
Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (NASDAQ: FFAI) (“Faraday Future”, “FF” or the “Company”), a California-based global shared intelligent electric mobility ecosystem company, today shared a weekly business update from YT Jia, Founder and Co-CEO of FF.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250615190126/en/
It’s time for Issue 007 of the Weekly Investor Update. This week brings several seismic developments we’re excited to share with you.
Again, starting with S1 User Ecosystem
First, we’ve achieved another breakthrough in B2B pre-order collection for our upcoming FX model. We signed with Pinnacle Real Estate Group, the largest Chinese-American real estate brokerage in Southern California, a binding deposit agreement for 1,000 units of FX Super One, which includes a non-refundable deposit and a non-binding reservation, bringing total B2B binding deposits for the FX Super One to coverage of 3,500 non-binding pre-orders.
This establishes a global first: a “B2B2C” collaboration between an automotive company and a real estate brokerage. This is a highly innovative, asset-light sales model that is unprecedented in our industry, creating a disruptive eco-chemistry between the AIEV and real estate sectors, setting the stage for co-creation, sharing, and win-win outcomes. More collaborations with major real estate brokerages are underway to pioneer unique programs such as “Luxury Car + Luxury Home” and “Drive Home Together” (Car-and-Home Bundle Purchase). These initiatives will become a powerful user acquisition engine for FX to unlock mass market and craft blockbuster products.
This is another key innovation in our integrated model of Co-Creation Ecosystem Online Direct Sales and offline B2B sales. I will share more details in the near future.
Second, today it's finally time to announce Mariah Carey to be the next FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance owner. Her new car will be delivered soon. In the official music video for her newly released single Type Dangerous, both the FF 91 and FFZERO1 make a stunning appearance. I dare say, only a vehicle chosen by iconic superstars like Mariah Carey truly lives up to the name Ultimate AI TechLuxury.
This co-creation marks the formation of a virtuous cycle of high recognition and high loyalty for the FF brand, signaling our entry into a new stage of global cultural co-creation at the highest level. Buckle up, more GOAT-level celebrities and Hall of Famers may soon be joining the co-creation with FF, FX, and FX Super One, creating transformative value for the industry.
Next up, S2 to S4, Products and Technologies
We are in the middle of system integration for FX Super One’s custom-built AI software.We plan to showcase its unique capabilities at both the June 29 Private Preview & Co-Creation Event and the July 17 First Online Global Product Launch.
Moving on to S5, Capital Markets and finance
The second round of share purchase commitments by FX CEO Max, FF CFO Koti, and several other executives, totaling $60,000, has been officially approved and processed this week. Just like Jerry’s and my earlier share purchases, these transactions comply with the required cooling-off period rules for public companies. The broker will automatically process the transactions once that window closes. These insider purchases reflect management’s strong confidence in the company’s long-term value and are yet another demonstration of our core principle: “Stockholders First.”
It’s been an encouraging week for our stock performance—a sincere thank you to all our investors and retail stockholders for your ongoing support. That said, we must remain grounded. There’s still plenty of work ahead. For instance, during initial talks with certain supply chain partners, FF’s past history can sometimes make it difficult to quickly establish trust. That kind of “first impression bias” often means we have to work even harder to prove ourselves.
But, as I said at the Blue Book Forum a few days ago— once these partners take the time to understand us and engage in honest, transparent dialogue, they’ll see that we not only have a unique strategy and solid planning, but also the capability, experience, and resources to follow through on our promises. In fact, many S Tier 1 suppliers who recently visited us have told us that FF is more determined, more practical, and more relentless than they ever expected.
I want to take this moment to sincerely thank all the suppliers and partners who have put their trust in FF and FX—especially our S Tier 1 suppliers. Your confidence in us continues to be one of our greatest driving forces. We’re fully committed to creating the greatest possible value for you.
Next week promises to be another busy and challenging stretch—but also one full of opportunities. I look forward to sharing more progress next week. Talk soon!”
ABOUT FARADAY FUTURE
Faraday Future is the pioneer of the Ultimate AI Tech Luxury ultra spire market in the intelligent EV era, and the disruptor of the traditional ultra-luxury car civilization epitomized by Ferrari and Maybach. FF is not just an EV Company, but also a software-driven intelligent internet Company. Ultimately, FF aims to become a User Company by offering a shared intelligent mobility ecosystem. FF remains dedicated to advancing electric vehicle technology to meet the evolving needs and preferences of users worldwide, driven by the pursuit of intelligent and AI-driven mobility.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release includes “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “plans,” “desire,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “should,” and “future,” variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which include statements regarding production capacity expansion, the FX brand, the Super One MPV, future FX models, future FX reservations, expansion into new states and markets, and production and sales goals, are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements.
Important factors, among others, that may affect actual results or outcomes include, among others: the number of vehicles that Pinnacle Real Estate Group ultimately chooses to purchase from the Company, which may be as few as one; the ability of Pinnacle Real Estate Group to identify purchasers for the Super One; the Company’s ability to expand production facility, which will be time-consuming and costly; market demand for MPVs and MPV rentals; the Company’s ability to secure the necessary funding to execute on its AI, EREV and Faraday X (FX) strategies, each of which will be substantial; the Company’s ability to design and develop EREV technology; the Company’s ability to design and develop AI-based solutions; competition in the AI and EREV areas, where actual or potential competitors have or are likely to have substantial advantages relative to the Company, including but not limited to experience, expertise, funding, infrastructure and personnel; the ability of the Company to execute across multiple concurrent strategies, including the UAE, bridge strategy, or FX, EREV, AI, and US geographic expansion; the Company's ability to secure necessary agreements to license third-party range extender technology and/or license or produce FX vehicles in the U.S., the Middle East, or elsewhere, none of which have been secured; and the Company's ability to secure necessary permits at its Hanford, CA production facility; the potential impact of tariff policy; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and improve its liquidity and financial position; the Company’s ability to pay its outstanding obligations; the Company’s history of losses and expectation of continued losses; the Company’s ability to execute on its plans to develop and market its vehicles and the timing of these development programs; the Company’s estimates of the size of the markets for its vehicles and cost to bring those vehicles to market; the rate and degree of market acceptance of the Company’s vehicles; the Company’s ability to cover future warranty claims; the success of other competing manufacturers; the performance and security of the Company’s vehicles; current and potential litigation involving the Company; the Company’s ability to receive funds from, satisfy the conditions precedent of and close on the various financings described elsewhere by the Company; the result of future financing efforts, the failure of any of which could result in the Company seeking protection under the Bankruptcy Code; the Company’s indebtedness; the Company’s ability to cover future warranty claims; the Company’s ability to use its “at-the-market” program; insurance coverage; general economic and market conditions impacting demand for the Company’s products; the Company’s dependence on its suppliers and contract manufacturer; the Company's ability to develop and protect its technologies; the Company's ability to protect against cybersecurity risks; and the ability of the Company to attract and retain employees, any adverse developments in existing legal proceedings or the initiation of new legal proceedings, and volatility of the Company’s stock price. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025, and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC.
Mariah Carey will Become the Next FF 91 2.0 Owner