If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or watched the Netflix series lately, you’ve probably seen the grainy 90s footage of two brothers in oversized sweaters sitting in a Beverly Hills courtroom. It’s a haunting image. People are constantly asking: how old was the Menendez brothers when the whole world started watching them? It is one of those cases that refuses to stay in the past.
They weren't kids, but they weren't exactly seasoned adults either.
The Night Everything Changed
On August 20, 1989, when the 12-gauge shotguns were fired inside that Elm Drive mansion, Lyle Menendez was 21 years old. His younger brother, Erik Menendez, was just 18. Think about that for a second.
At 18, most people are worrying about freshman year of college or who they’re taking to prom. At 21, you’re just legally allowed to buy a beer. Instead, these two were at the center of a homicide investigation that would eventually expose layers of alleged family trauma that most people couldn't even imagine.
They didn't get arrested right away. For months, they lived a life of high-end shopping and luxury, which prosecutors later used to claim they killed for money. By the time the handcuffs finally came out in March 1990, Lyle had turned 22 and Erik was 19.
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How Old Was the Menendez Brothers During the Trials?
The legal battle didn't happen overnight. It dragged. It stalled. It became a media circus. By the time the first trial actually started in 1993, the "boys" weren't really boys anymore.
- Lyle Menendez was 25.
- Erik Menendez was 22.
The defense, led by the formidable Leslie Abramson, painted a picture of two young men driven to a breaking point by years of horrific sexual and emotional abuse. The prosecution saw something else. They saw two "spoiled brats" who wanted their parents' fortune.
The first trial ended in a hung jury. People forget that. The public was genuinely torn. But the second trial in 1995 was different. The judge limited the abuse testimony significantly. When the guilty verdict finally came down in 1996, Lyle was 28 and Erik was 25.
They were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. At that age, "life" is a terrifyingly long time.
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Fast Forward: Their Ages in 2026
It’s now 2026. The world has changed, and so has the legal landscape in California. If you’re wondering where they are today, both brothers are currently incarcerated at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego.
As of right now:
Lyle Menendez is 58 years old. (Born January 10, 1968)
Erik Menendez is 55 years old. (Born November 27, 1970)
They have now spent more than double the amount of time in prison than they ever spent as free men. They are older now than their parents, Jose and Kitty, were when they died. Jose was 45; Kitty was 47. That’s a heavy realization to sit with.
Why Everyone is Talking About Their Age Again
The reason the question "how old was the Menendez brothers" is trending again isn't just curiosity. It’s because of Youthful Offender Parole laws. In May 2025, a massive shift happened. A Los Angeles judge, Michael Jesic, resentenced the brothers to 50 years to life. Why does this matter? Because California law recognizes that the human brain—specifically the parts involving impulse control and judgment—isn't fully developed until the mid-20s.
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Since they were 18 and 21 at the time of the crimes, they fell under the "under 26" umbrella.
The Current Legal Status
It hasn't been a smooth road to freedom, though. Honestly, it’s been a rollercoaster.
- Parole Denials: In August 2025, both brothers had parole hearings. Both were denied. The board decided they needed more time to demonstrate they weren't a threat, despite decades of clean records and starting educational programs behind bars.
- The DA Factor: The new Los Angeles District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, has been pretty vocal. His office initially opposed the resentencing, arguing that the brothers had been "untruthful" about their motives.
- Clemency: The ball is currently in Governor Gavin Newsom’s court. He’s been asked to grant clemency, which would basically bypass the parole board's three-year waiting period.
Actionable Takeaways: What You Should Know
If you're following this case, don't just rely on the dramatized TV shows. They take liberties for "vibes."
- Check the Transcripts: If you want the truth about their ages and the abuse claims, read the 1993 trial transcripts. The level of detail Lyle gave on the stand is far more intense than any Netflix adaptation.
- Understand the Law: Research California Senate Bill 260. It’s the reason the brothers even have a chance at parole today. It focuses on the "diminished culpability" of youth.
- Monitor the Parole Board: Their next eligibility window usually opens every three years after a denial, but legal appeals can move that date up.
The Menendez case isn't just about a crime anymore; it’s a massive debate on how we treat trauma and whether people who commit crimes as "youths" can ever truly be rehabilitated. Whether you think they deserve to be out or not, the fact remains: the 18 and 21-year-olds the world met in 1989 are long gone. They are middle-aged men now, waiting for a final answer.
Keep an eye on the California Parole Board's public calendar and Governor Newsom's executive orders for the most direct updates on their release status.