The Menendez brothers have been resentenced to 50 years to life in prison, opening them up for the possibility of parole after spending more than three decades behind bars for killing their parents decades ago.

The move streamlines the potential path to freedom for the brothers who have served more than 35 years in prison since being sentenced for killing their parents with shotguns in 1989.

On Tuesday afternoon, inside a Los Angeles courtroom, Judge Michael Jesic ruled in favor of Erik and Lyle Menendez and resentenced them after they had spent more than three decade

They had become too well-known to be forgotten, but for decades, the Menendez brothers faded into the background. Occasional stories emerged about the brothers losing their appeals, as did mugshots of them aging in prison.

Erik and Lyle Menendez 's much-anticipated resentencing hearing will be held Tuesday and Wednesday with lawyers set to battle over whether the brothers should get a lesser sentence, clearing the way for a potential release from prison. Defense attorney Mark Geragos, who is pushing for their release, said he plans to call seven witnesses.

A judge's decision to reduce the Menendez brothers' sentence for killing their parents in 1989 enables a parole board to hear their case. Gov. Gavin Newsom could still intervene.