The Menendez brothers’ path to freedom took another turn as California Gov. Gavin Newsom has withdrawn his request for a clemency investigation.
This move now makes the brothers’ June hearing before the parole board a chance for Lyle and Erik to be granted an early release.
Newsom’s office confirmed to Fox News Digital that the June 13 clemency hearing is now being converted into a parole hearing.
The governor’s office stated that Newsom concurs with the Board of Parole Hearings’ suggestion to transition the June 13 clemency hearings into parole hearings, mentioning that “the clemency application remains active.”
“We initiated a process, as you’re aware, which was meant to assist in informing the judge during the resentencing regarding the risk assessment. We believed it would be wise to conduct this prior to any resentencing. This process has progressed over the past several months, with forensic psychologists evaluating the risk associated with each individual brother,” Newsom remarked.
According to Newsom’s office, the legal criterion for parole release in California is whether an inmate presents an unreasonable risk to public safety. This determination is necessary before the governor can resolve on commutations.
“This process doesn’t mean there’s any guaranteed outcome, but it shows we’re doing our due diligence, ensuring transparency, keeping public safety at the forefront, making sure the process is fair for everyone involved and getting closer to a conclusion,” Newsom’s office said.
Newsom’s June 13 parole board hearings are planned to go on as scheduled, and the board will have the opportunity to free the brothers.
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Neama Rahmani told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that Erik and Lyle Menendez “will likely be freed in a matter of months,” adding that he does not expect “the parole board or Gov. Newsom” to block their release.
Fox News Digital’s Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
