Many are familiar with the infamous case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the brothers who shot and killed their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez, in their home in 1989. However, even more light has been shone onto the case in recent years with new projects such as Ryan Murphy’s new show, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, a recent Netflix documentary, and many others that have previously been released. These productions allow for education on the topic from numerous perspectives and give people the opportunity to form their own opinions.

While many people argue that the pair’s story was fabricated to try to get away with the crime, lots, including the LA district attorney’s office, believe their story of abuse and self-defense. On Friday, following many motions to have the infamous case reevaluated, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office announced their recommendation to resent the brothers as new evidence has come to light. But, what does this mean for Lyle and Erik? Will they finally be released after over 30 long years locked in prison?

The pending decision continues to create dispute from either side; debates of whether they should continue a life confined to a cell or if they truly deserve a second chance outside of the bars continue. One student, Dani Clowers (12), commented, “I am so glad the brothers are getting a retrial; I feel like they did not receive fair trials in the 90’s because of the hung jury and thrown out evidence.” However, others may claim that since they murdered their parents, they should continue to face the consequences of their actions in prison. Despite the opinions of the public, the brothers’ possibility of a retrial and a new sentence create new opportunities for the pair.