Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic recalled the brothers’ sentences of life without parole in a dramatic reversal of fortune at a court hearing Tuesday. He then resentenced the brothers to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole in connection with the 1989 shotgun slayings of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez.

They had become too well-known to be forgotten, but for decades, the Menendez brothers faded into the background. Occasional stories emerged about the brothers losing their appeals, as did mugshots of them aging in prison.

Now eligible for parole, the Menendez brothers could be released next month after spending more than three decades behind bars.

At Tuesday's resentencing hearing, Lyle and Erik Menendez made a virtual appearance and took "full responsibility" for their roles in the 1989 murders of their parents

The move streamlines the potential path to freedom for the brothers who have served more than 35 years in prison since being sentenced for killing their parents with shotguns in 1989.

A shock twist in the case of convicted killers Lyle and Erik Menendez was announced by Los Angeles prosecutors last night (13 May) amid the brothers' bid for resentencing - after which they issued an emotional statement.

Hochman cited risk assessments done by board certified psychologists for the Parole Board that cited Lyle and Erik Menendez’s violations of the rules by bringing cell phones into the prison. That took place after they filed their resentencing motions, Hochman said.