California Democrats have passed a bill that could release over 1,600 convicted killers, including notorious offenders like the Menendez brothers, after serving just 25 years of their life sentences.
At a Glance
- Senate Bill 672 would allow inmates convicted of murder before age 26 to seek parole after serving 25 years
- The bill passed the California Senate with a 24-11 vote and now moves to the Assembly
- Republican lawmakers warn the bill could release up to 1,600 convicted murderers
- Critics argue the legislation was revived due to social media sympathy for the Menendez brothers
- The bill excludes those convicted of killing law enforcement officers or mass shootings
California’s Controversial Parole Bill Advances
California Senate Bill 672, known as the Youth Rehabilitation and Opportunity Act, has passed the state Senate and now advances to the Assembly amid fierce opposition from Republican lawmakers. The legislation would allow individuals sentenced to life without parole for crimes committed before the age of 26 to request parole after serving 25 years. Republican Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones has emerged as a vocal critic, warning that the bill could lead to the early release of dangerous criminals who were convicted of heinous murders.
“California Democrats just opened the prison gates for over 1,600 cold-blooded killers,” said Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones.
The bill passed with a 24-11 vote along party lines in the Democratic-controlled Senate. While it contains some limitations, excluding parole eligibility for those convicted of killing law enforcement officers or perpetrating mass shootings, critics argue these carveouts are insufficient to protect public safety. Law enforcement officials have joined Republican lawmakers in opposing the measure, with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco pointing to public sentiment favoring stricter crime policies.
The Menendez Connection
Republican lawmakers have drawn direct connections between the bill and the high-profile case of the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989. Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were 21 and 18 respectively at the time of the killings, have recently become the subject of renewed public interest and sympathy campaigns on social media platforms. The brothers were recently resentenced under a different statute and are now eligible for parole, yet Democrats continue to push forward with SB 672.
“As soon as the Menendez brothers’ situation started trending, all of a sudden this bill comes up again,” said Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones.
Jones has suggested that the timing of the bill’s revival is directly related to the social media attention surrounding the Menendez brothers, accusing Democrats of exploiting trends rather than focusing on sound public safety policy. The brothers have gained surprising popularity online, with many younger social media users arguing they should be released based on claims of abuse by their father, though these claims were rejected by juries during their trial.
Broader Implications for Public Safety
Critics of the bill point to several other violent offenders who could potentially benefit from early release if SB 672 becomes law. These include Anthony Letrice Townsel, Mario Aaron Newsome, and Samuel Lincoln Woodward, all convicted of brutal murders. Law enforcement officials warn that releasing such individuals could undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system and potentially endanger communities across California.
Republican lawmakers have emphasized that the bill fails to balance rehabilitation with accountability and justice for victims. Jones and his colleagues argue that allowing early release for individuals convicted of premeditated murder would not only jeopardize public safety but would also retraumatize victims’ families who believed they had received justice through life sentences. The bill now faces consideration in the Assembly, where Democrats also hold a majority.
