(NewsNation) — Erik and Lyle Menendez have been officially resentenced to life with the possibility of parole and it is now up to California’s parole board to determine their future.
A parole board hearing is already set for June 13, so it’s possible that the brothers could be free men in a manner of weeks.
The hearing comes nearly 36 years after the brothers shot their parents in their own home.
The brothers appeared in court via video feed, reading prepared statements ahead of the resentencing decision. Both opened with clear admissions of killing their parents.
“I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses, I take full responsibility,” Lyle Menendez began in his statement.
Erik Menendez began by expressing profound sorrow for the tragedy, calling their actions criminal, selfish, cruel and cowardly.
Earlier, three Menendez cousins had addressed the court, expressing their belief that 35 years is enough time served, telling the judge the brothers have been universally forgiven by the family.
Before downgrading the brothers’ sentences to life with the possibility of parole, the judge noted that it was an absolutely horrific crime, but he gave the brothers credit for changing and doing remarkable work in prison.
“I really hope that this sets the precedent for other LWOP inmates who have shown transformation and change and have done the same as Erik and Lyle and created new hopes for themselves while they have been incarcerated,” said cousin Tamara Lucero Goodell.
“They chose to live their lives with clarity and a purpose of service that the judge was impressed by and so a huge thanks to them, too, for being the kind of people that we could bring home,” said cousin Anamaria Baralt.
The June parole hearing was set prior to this decision, as California Gov. Gavin Newsom is also considering clemency for the brothers.
The board has separate meetings set for Lyle and Erik Menendez, and if parole is granted, the panel would likely set parameters, including where they live.
Attorney Anne Bremner, who worked with Erik, told NewsNation the brothers must be “elated.”
“I think they’re thrilled, they have to be after being in person for decades,” she said.
Bremner also said it remains to be seen what route they end up taking if they are released from prison.
“They’re in celebrity status,” she said. “Are they going to be doing a talk show circuit? Are they going to write a book? Are they going to just go quietly into private lives? It’s going to be really interesting to see, because people are going to want to hear from them.”
Their former home has changed ownership numerous times, selling for $17 million two years ago, and has been under renovation for some time.
It is also a regular stop for Hollywood tours, with interest in the case renewed after a Netflix show last year.
Bremner also believes the brothers will remain tight outside of prison.
“I think that they will stick together; they’ve been through a lot together, they were always close and my belief is they’ll stick together when they get out.”