California Republicans Slam Bill That Could Free Menendez Brothers: "A Shameless Political Stunt"
California Republicans are strongly opposing Senate Bill 672 (SB 672) — also called the Youth Rehabilitation and Opportunity Act — which could open the door for parole eligibility for convicted murderers like Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are serving life without parole for the 1989 murders of their parents.
Senator Brian Jones voiced fierce criticism, accusing Democrats of leveraging public sympathy for the Menendez brothers to push a controversial parole reform bill.
“As soon as the Menendez brothers' case began trending again, this bill suddenly resurfaced,” Jones said. “It’s a cynical move to ride the wave of social media attention and media coverage — a way to build someone's political brand, and we completely oppose it.”
Jones didn’t hold back, calling the bill:
“A shameless attempt to ride a wave of social media sympathy with zero regard for the thousands of other brutal killers their bill could unleash.”
He stressed that California Republicans remain committed to public safety, in stark contrast to what he described as Democrats "playing politics with public safety."
“These are violent felons who belong in prison,” Jones said. “Trying to resentence the Menendez brothers is simply wrong.”
What Is SB 672?
SB 672, introduced by Democratic Senator Susan Rubio, allows inmates sentenced to life without parole for crimes committed before age 26 to seek a parole hearing after 25 years. While the bill excludes certain offenses — like killing a law enforcement officer or committing a mass school shooting — it could still apply to hundreds of inmates convicted of “special circumstance” murders.
The California State Senate passed the bill with a 24-11 vote. It now moves to the Assembly for further consideration.
Critics argue the bill is being politicized due to renewed interest in the Menendez case, especially after a Los Angeles judge approved a resentencing hearing following claims of newly surfaced evidence, including alleged sexual abuse. The brothers admitted full responsibility at their hearing.
Republican Backlash and Public Concerns
Jones warned the bill creates a “Pandora’s box” of consequences.
“This isn’t just about the Menendez brothers. If passed, it could impact over 1,600 other convicted murderers sentenced under special circumstances,” he said.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, also a Republican gubernatorial candidate, echoed the concern:
“Sacramento’s love affair with criminals isn’t slowing down — even after 70% of Californians made it clear they want tougher crime laws. Now the Senate wants to let convicted murderers out early.”
Victims’ Rights vs. Offenders’ Reform
Jones emphasized the pain that such legislation causes victims’ families.
“These people were convicted of heinous murders and sentenced to life without parole. Revisiting that sentence forces victims’ families to relive their trauma. It’s unconscionable,” he said.
He accused Governor Gavin Newsom and California Democrats of prioritizing perpetrators over victims, suggesting the push is more about politics and headlines than rehabilitation or justice.
“If the Menendez brothers are truly rehabilitated — which I doubt — then let them stay in prison and mentor others. But releasing them? That’s a risk I’m not willing to take.”
What’s Next?
Erik and Lyle Menendez remain incarcerated but are now eligible for parole and are scheduled for a parole board hearing in August. Governor Newsom could ultimately play a role in their fate.
Jones concluded with a pointed warning:
“Do we really want to take the risk of letting out convicted killers just because they gained attention? I think the answer is a loud and clear no.”