() Family members of Erik and Lyle Menendez say they are “cautiously optimistic” ahead of parole hearings for the two this week, saying that the brothers have taken “full accountability” for their actions and are ready for release.

The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition releases a statement ahead of the first hearing on Thursday saying: “As always, our family remains cautiously optimistic, grounding ourselves in the reality that California’s parole process is incredibly rigorous, with low grant rates. We respect that and know Erik and Lyle are prepared for that level of scrutiny.”

The group calls itself a family-led initiative advocating for Erik and Lyle Menendez’s release. 

The parole board meetings are the closest the Menendez brothers have been to winning their freedom from prison since their convictions almost 30 years ago for murdering their parents.

The brothers became eligible for parole a few months ago after a judge reduced their sentences from life in prison without the possibility of parole to 50 years to life.

“For more than 35 years, they have shown sustained growth. They’ve taken full accountability. They express sincere remorse to our family to this day and have built a meaningful life defined by purpose and service,” the family said. 

They added that it was commendable how many letters of support the brothers got from those advocating for their release. 

“It’s a reminder that no paper file can fully capture a person’s character. But we see it. Correctional staff see it. Now, we hope the parole commissioners will see the same,” the family said. “We know that Erik and Lyle will come home, that is no longer a doubt. We just hope that they are granted this second chance in time to hug their Aunt Joan and Aunt Terry.”

This is a developing story. Refesh the page for updates.