Menendez Brothers' Relatives Push for Immediate Release, Bypassing Parole

Family members of the infamous Menendez brothers are urging for the immediate release of Lyle and Erik Menendez from prison, citing the deteriorating health of elderly relatives. The Menendez brothers, Lyle aged 56 and Erik aged 53, were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole back in 1996 for the brutal 1989 shotgun murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez.

Recently, on October 24th, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón made a significant announcement. He proposed that both Erik and Lyle, who claim they committed the murders out of fear for their lives following years of alleged sexual abuse by their father, be resentenced to 50 years to life.

Gascón's office has initiated the process by scheduling a hearing where both the prosecution and defense will present arguments, both written and oral, for and against the release of the brothers. The final decision rests with the judge following this hearing.

If the judge favors the recommendation, the case will proceed to the California Parole Board for a hearing, a process that could potentially take up to six months to arrange, as reported by CBS8. Meanwhile, Mark Geragos, the post-conviction attorney for the Menendez brothers, has submitted documents requesting clemency from California Governor Gavin Newsom.

However, some relatives of the Menendez brothers are advocating to circumvent this lengthy process. Sources close to the family revealed to PEOPLE, "For over 35 years, as victims themselves, the families of Erik and Lyle have been advocating for their release. With the declining health of the elder family members, they are hopeful for a chance to reunite outside prison for one last time."

The source continued, "The sentencing of Erik and Lyle also sentenced the family to decades of anguish, suffering, and uncertainty. It is time to end their collective agony before it is too late."

Expressing optimism, Geragos shared his aspiration for the brothers to be home in time for Thanksgiving, a sentiment echoed by cousin Anamaria Baralt. She expressed her joy at the prospect, stating, "I think that my mother and Joan VanderMolen, Kitty's sister, could not possibly be happier than to see that happen."

Baralt further shared the emotional toll the prolonged separation has taken on the family, saying, "This seemed outside of the realm of possibility for so long. It's been very hard. There's just a hole in your heart that never quite gets filled. Every holiday, there's a bittersweetness to it. Even though we have the family together, the families that are outside of prison, we never forget that Lyle and Erik aren't with us. We're all just really looking forward to that day of being together again."

She added, "I am just desperately hoping that they get to spend time with my mother and their other aunt, Joan. Both of them are really getting on in years, and both of them just desperately love Lyle and Erik so much and support them. And so, that is my greatest wish."

As the legal proceedings unfold, the Menendez brothers' case continues to captivate public interest. Stay updated on the latest developments by signing up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter, offering breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage, and details on intriguing unsolved cases.