In August 1989, the brothers killed their father Jose Menendez and mother Kitty Menendez in their Beverly Hills home.

Nearly three decades after Erik and Lyle Menendez were sentenced to life in prison for the murders of their parents, a California judge has reopened a door many believed would remain closed.

Lyle and Erik Menendez could be eligible to walk free after more than 30 years in prison for the vicious 1989 shotgun slayings of their parents — and they might even be released as early as the coming weeks.

A California judge ruled Tuesday that Erik and Lyle Menendez can be resentenced, clearing the way for the siblings to receive a lesser penalty for the 1989 shotgun murder of their parents.

A judge Tuesday ruled that Erik and Lyle Menendez can be resentenced for the 1989 murders of their parents, opening the door to potential freedom for the brothers. It was not immediately clear what sentence the judge will decide on.

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.

A judge on Tuesday re-sentenced Erik and Lyle Menendez to 50 years to life for the 1989 shotgun killings of their parents in Beverly Hills, making them eligible for parole after serving nearly 35 years.

On the first day of Erik and Lyle Menendez 's resentencing hearing Tuesday, their cousins, a former judge and a former fellow inmate took to the witness stand to testify that the brothers were not only rehabilitated but helped others.