Lyle Menendez, aged 57, was denied parole on Friday by a California board. This decision came one day after his younger brother, Erik, also had his parole request denied at the San Diego prison where they both have been serving nearly 35 years.
During Thursday’s hearing, parole commissioners informed Erik Menendez that despite having significant family support, his behavior in custody—marked by repeated violations related to cellphones—demonstrated a continued unwillingness to adhere to rules.
Commissioner Robert Barton told Erik, “Contrary to your supporters’ beliefs, you have not been a model prisoner,” labeling his actions as “selfish” and “disturbing.”
The panel decreed that Erik would remain in prison for at least another three years. The ruling visibly disturbed him as he listened closely to Barton, who remarked, “Two things can be true. They can love and forgive you, and you can still be found unsuitable for parole.”
For both brothers, these hearings represented the closest opportunity for release since their life sentences were reduced in May, allowing for the possibility of parole consideration.
The Menendez brothers were convicted in 1996 for the murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, occurring on August 20, 1989, in their family’s Beverly Hills mansion.
Prosecutors argued they killed to gain access to a multimillion-dollar inheritance, while defense attorneys contended they acted out of self-defense after years of sexual abuse by their father. The jury sided with prosecutors.
After the killings, the brothers embarked on a spending spree, purchasing luxury cars, watches, trips abroad and, in Lyle’s case, a New Jersey restaurant. They were arrested in 1990, after Erik confessed to his therapist.
At Thursday’s hearing, Barton underscored the brutal nature of the crime, particularly the “execution-style” killing of Kitty Menendez. “The killing of your mother especially showed a lack of empathy and reason,” he said. “I don’t know that I’ve ever had rage to that level, ever.”
Nearly 35 years later, the Menendez case remains etched in American memory as one of the most sensational parricide trials of the 20th century. Friday’s ruling means both brothers remain behind bars, their supporters’ calls for forgiveness once again unanswered.
