Studying Time: 3 minutes
For a number of months now, Erik and Lyle Menendez have been combating for freedom with the assistance of their many supporters.
The brothers have been locked up since 1990 for the murders of their mother and father, however current occasions — together with a preferred Netflix collection primarily based on their case — have led to renewed public curiosity of their case.
There was a time when it regarded just like the brothers’ launch was a foregone conclusion.
On Thursday, nevertheless, Erik Menendez was denied parole, together with his habits behind bars cited as a major issue.
Erik Menendez appeared earlier than the parole board by way of teleconference on the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego on August 21, 2025. (Photograph by California Division of Corrections by way of Getty Pictures)
Erik Menendez will stay behind bars for forseeable future
“I believe in redemption or I wouldn’t be doing this job … but based on the legal standards, we find that you continue to pose an unreasonable risk to public safety,” Parole Commissioner Robert Barton stated on Thursday, based on ABC 7 in Los Angeles.
“While we give great weight to youth offender factors, your continued willingness to commit crimes and violate prison rules,” weighed in opposition to Menendez, Barton stated.
Barton added that whereas the brothers could have had simply trigger to kill their father, whom they’ve accused of sexual abuse, he believes that the homicide of their mom was “devoid of human compassion.”
“I can’t put myself in your place,” he stated. “I don’t know that I’ve ever had rage to that level, ever. But that is still concerning, especially since it seems she was also a victim herself of the domestic violence.”
Erik Menendez (C) and his brother Lyle (L) are pictured, on August 12, 1991 in Beverly Hills. They’re accused of killing their mother and father, Jose and Mary Louise Menendez of Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photograph by MIKE NELSON/AFP by way of Getty Pictures)
Barton famous that at 18 years previous, Erik may have “legally left” faculty and sought shelter elsewhere.
“We recognize and understand that many sexual assault victims find it hard to come forward especially when the perpetrators are family members,” Barton stated.
The commissioner added that Erik “was not in imminent fear” for his life, and due to this fact had choices past homicide.
The commissioner confused, nevertheless, that Erik was being denied parole primarily due to his habits behind bars, together with possession of an unlawful cellphone.
Erik Menendez (L) and his brother Lyle (R) pay attention throughout a pre-trial listening to, on December 29, 1992 in Los Angeles after the 2 pleaded harmless within the August 1989 shotgun deaths of their rich mother and father, Jose and Mary Louise Menendez of Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photograph by VINCE BUCCI/AFP by way of Getty Pictures)
“One can pose a risk to public safety in many ways, with several types of criminal behavior, including the ones you were guilty of in prison,” Barton stated.
“Contrary to your supporters’ beliefs, you have not been a model prisoner, and frankly, we find that a little disturbing.”
What’s subsequent for the Menendez brothers?
Lyle Menendez will go earlier than the parole board later at the moment to study his destiny.
We can have additional updates on this growing story as new data turns into accessible.
