74 - Menendez Brothers: Parole Pending

Lyle and Eric Menendez, convicted of the 1996 murders of their parents, are now facing the possibility of parole. In May 2025, a judge resentenced them to life with the possibility of parole, clearing the way for hearings scheduled on August 21 and 22.

Are the Menendez brothers truly rehabilitated—or do they still pose a danger to society? Join host Dr. Dana Anderson as she speaks with veteran defense attorney Sam Bassett about the legal strategy behind their resentencing. Forensic psychologist Dr. Craig Wetter weighs in on clinical tools like the HCR-20 and PCL-R, used to assess whether someone presents an unreasonable risk to public safety if released.

At the crossroads of crime, politics, and psychology, this episode unpacks how parole law and forensic risk tools shape the fate of two of America’s most notorious inmates.




Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Menendez Brothers Case
01:58 Parole Hearing Dynamics and Public Perception
04:04 Understanding Remorse and Risk Assessment Tools
08:01 Psychopathy and Personality Disorders in Context
12:08 Youthful Offender Laws and Their Implications
15:59 The Role of AI in Risk Assessments
19:49 Life After Prison: Challenges and Opportunities
24:06 Public Opinion and Media Influence
27:48 Redemption Stories and Future Paths
31:53 The Importance of Addressing Abuse
35:41 Conclusion and Future Considerations

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.