Lyle Menendez, 57, one of the brothers convicted of their parents’ 1989 shotgun murders in Beverly Hills, was denied parole during his initial hearing before a California parole review panel on Friday.
His brother, Erik, 54, received a similar denial during his hearing on Thursday. Both are eligible to reappear before the parole board in three years.
Despite the nearly 36-year-old case drawing ongoing public attention, both brothers maintain claims that their father sexually abused them and that their mother was aware of the abuse.
Although they were originally sentenced to life without parole, their sentences were reduced to 50 years to life in May after a judge in Los Angeles approved the reduction.
During Friday’s hearing, the panel’s lead officer, Robert Barton, pointed out Erik Menendez’s alleged violations of prison rules, including drug use, involvement in a tax fraud scheme, and possession of a cell phone.
“Contrary to the beliefs of some supporters, you have not been a model inmate, and that’s concerning,” Barton said.
Commissioner Julie Garland acknowledged that Erik’s remorse appears genuine and that he demonstrates potential for rehabilitation, citing his overall good conduct. However, she emphasized that underlying antisocial traits such as deception, minimization, and rule-breaking still lurk beneath the surface.
“Never lose hope,” Garland told Erik. “This rejection isn’t the final answer. It’s an opportunity for you to show who you are and who you want to become.”
The parole decision is not final, and a review could be conducted within 120 days. Following that, Governor Gavin Newsom has 30 days to approve or overturn the panel’s decision, if he chooses. The same process applies in Erik’s case.
