On Thursday (August 21), 36 years and one day after his parents’ murder, Erik Menendez, 54, was denied parole, with his fellow convicted brother Lyle Menendez, 57, left to learn his fate tomorrow (Friday, August 22).
In 1989, the brothers murdered their parents, Jose Menendez and Kitty Menendez. Lyle, then 21, and Erik, then 18, both claimed self-defense after years of alleged sexual abuse by their father. They ere initially sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. However, in May 2025, Judge Michael Jesic resentenced the brothers to 50 years to life in prison, making them immediately eligible for parole under youth offender parole laws.
Today, Erik attended his first-ever parole hearing, which lasted nearly 10 hours. He took the video call from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California. During the hearing, the parole board denied him a release, telling him he would next be eligible in three years.
California Board of Parole Commissioner Says Erik Menendez Details Reasons Why Board Denied His Parole Request
The board based its denial on several factors. These included: Erik’s behavior in prison; burglaries he participated in before the murders; and the killing of his mother. Erik claimed he shot his mother because she had “betrayed him, explaining:
“I saw my mother and my father as one person after I learned that she knew [about my father sexually abusing me], so when I was running into the den, I was in a state of terror, of panic, of rage.”
California Board of Parole Commissioner Robert Barton claimed, “The killing of your mother especially showed a lack of empathy and reason.” Barton also noted that since Erik was 18 at the time, he could have left his parents’ home or could have gone to the police or stayed with relatives to escape the alleged abuse by their father.
He said, “We recognize and understand that many sexual assault victims find it hard to come forward, especially when the perpetrators are family members.”
Barton also noted that it wasn’t only the seriousness Erik’s crime that was the “primary reason for his denial,” but also his behavior in prison. He said, “Contrary to your supporters’ beliefs, you have not been a model prisoner, and frankly, we find that a little disturbing.”
He also noted Erik’s apparent inappropriate behavior with visitors, drug smuggling, misuse of state computers, and violence incidents. The board also didn’t like that he illegally used cellphones while leading rehabilitative groups. Barton said, “We find that you continue to pose an unreasonable risk to public safety.”
RELATED: Menendez Brothers Sentence Reduced To 50 Years To Life, Eligible For Parole After 35 Years In Prison
Erik Menendez’s Relatives Pushing For His Parole ‘Disappointed’ After Board Denies Request
Following his parole denial, Barton told Erik:
“You have two options: one is to have a pity party … and then you become a self-fulfilling prophecy, probably not getting granted [parole] next time. Or you can take to heart what we discussed. I hope that the people that are out there supporting you continue to motivate you.”
Elsewhere, some of Erik Menendez’s relatives, who’ve been pushing for his release, are disappointed. In a statement, they said:
“While we respect the decision, today’s outcome was of course disappointing and not what we hoped for. But our belief in Erik remains unwavering and we know he will take the Board’s recommendation in stride. His remorse, growth, and the positive impact he’s had on others speak for themselves. We will continue to stand by him and hold to the hope he is able to return home soon.”
Erik Menendez’s brother Lyle Menendez will learn his fate tomorrow. Their relatives stated:
“Tomorrow, we turn our attention to Lyle’s hearing. And while it is undoubtedly difficult, we remain cautiously optimistic and hopeful that the commissioner will see in Lyle what so many others have: a man who has taken responsibility, transformed his life, and is ready to come home.”
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