The Menendez brothers speak out about plans after prison if they are let out following parole hearing in June
Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault which some readers may find distressing.
Erik and Lyle Menendez have spoken out about their plans for life after prison as they await the parole hearing that could grant them their freedom.
The brothers, who are now 54 and 57, respectively, have been behind bars for more than 30 years after being convicted of the 1989 murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez, in their home in Beverly Hills, California.
The two brothers were convicted of first-degree murder in a second trial in the case, after the first ended in a hung jury when both Erik and Lyle detailed the sexual abuse they allegedly suffered at the hands of their father.
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In the second trial, prosecutors argued the brothers had killed their parents to try and benefit from their wealth, and the jury was convinced.
They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, but recently they learned they actually would go up in front of a parole board in June.
Now, the brothers have spoken to TMZ about their upcoming hearing and what it could mean for them, as well as sharing their plans on what freedom might look like.
In the interview, Lyle described both he and Lyle as 'cautiously hopeful', commenting: "Hope for the future is really kind of a new thing for us."
Meanwhile, Erik added that he is 'striving to be a better person every day', saying: "Who I've evolved into, who I've seen Lyle evolve into, I'm beginning to like myself and be proud of myself, and find it's okay to like myself."
While behind bars, both Erik and Lyle have started rehabilitation programs for disabled and elderly inmates, as well as teaching classes on trauma healing and meditation.
"Our best moments are the ones that are not spoken about, and we just help somebody, or we help an animal, or we make somebody smile that's feeling down that might have gone and harmed themselves if we weren't there," Erik said.
Considering the possibility of life outside prison, the 54-year-old revealed that he wants to continue channeling the kind of person he has become while inside.
"What it is that I want to do in terms of my day-to-day life is much of what I'm doing in here. I want to be an advocate for people that are suffering in silence," he said.
"Lyle and I aren't talking about leaving prison - should we be able to get out - and not looking back. Our lives will be spent working with the prison and doing the work that we're doing in here, out there," he added.
Part of the considerations relating to the release of the Menendez brothers includes a risk assessment that evaluates whether they are still seen as threats to society.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this article, you can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800.656.HOPE (4673), available 24/7. Or you can chat online via online.rainn.org
Emily Brown