Erik Menendez Denied Parole in California After 1989 Beverly Hills Murders
Erik Menendez’s attempt to gain freedom has been blocked, as California parole officials denied his request for release more than 30 years after the shocking murders of his parents.
The younger of the infamous Menendez brothers—convicted in the 1989 shotgun killings of their wealthy parents in Beverly Hills—appeared before the parole board on Thursday for the first time.
Lyle Menendez to Face Parole Hearing Following Judge’s Resentencing
Lyle Menendez, the older of the two brothers, is scheduled for his own parole suitability hearing on Friday. Both he and Menendez became eligible for parole earlier this year after a judge resentenced them in May, opening the door for potential release.
According to the ruling,
Erik Menendez will have another opportunity to seek parole in three years.
Board commissioner Robert Barton, who presided over more than 10 hours of testimony before reaching the decision, stated that he did not believe Menendez was fully prepared for release at this time.
Erik Menendez Denied Parole as California Board Cites Prison Violations and Public Safety Concerns
Parole Board Denies Erik Menendez Release, Citing Public Safety Concerns
At the conc. “But under the legal standards, we find that you still pose an unreasonable risk to public safety.
The parole board highlighted concerns over disciplinary record behind bars, as well as his criminal activity prior to the 1989 murders of his parents.
Parole Board Criticizes Erik Menendez’s Prison Record
He told Erik he now faced two possible paths: “One is to have a pity party.
Or you can truly take to heart the lessons we’ve discussed,” Barton told him.
Parole Denial Shifts Focus to Governor Newsom
Although Erik’s parole request was rejected, his pursuit of freedom is not over.
Focus Shifts to Governor Gavin Newsom as He Reviews Menendez Brothers’ Clemency Request
Attention has now shifted to California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is currently considering a clemency petition filed on behalf of both Erik and Lyle Menendez.
If granted, clemency could mean a reduced sentence or even a pardon,
though it would not erase their convictions. For Newsom, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, involvement in such a high-profile and controversial case carries significant political risk.
Menendez Brothers Push for New Trial
Alongside their clemency and parole efforts, Erik and Lyle Menendez are also seeking a new trial, citing newly discovered evidence. However, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office has opposed the request.
A judge is currently considering whether the brothers will be granted a retrial.
During Thursday’s proceedings, a prosecutor from the Los Angeles DA’s office argued against Erik’s release, claiming his improved behavior in prison was motivated solely by the possibility of parole.
The prosecutor insisted that Erik Menendez “remains an unreasonable risk to society” and “has no true insight into his crimes.
Erik Menendez Gets Emotional During Parole Hearing Over 1989 Beverly Hills Murders
Erik Menendez appeared virtually at his parole hearing from the San Diego prison where he is currently housed. Wearing a blue prison jumpsuit and glasses, Erik Menendez appeared virtually, joined remotely by family members, his legal team, and the prosecutor on the casetion Erik about the brutal .
At times, Erik grew visibly emotional as he recounted the night of August 20, 1989, when he and his brother, Lyle Menendez, opened fire on their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, inside their Beverly Hills mansion as they watched television.
The brothers shot their parents more than a dozen times,
with Erik reloading his shotgun to continue firing at his mother. Both men have consistently claimed the killings were acts of self-defense, alleging years of sexual abuse at the hands of their father.
Speaking before the parole board’s decision was announced, Erik Menendez delivered a tearful apology:
“I just want my family to understand that I am so unimaginably sorry for what I have put them through from August 20, 1989, up until today and this parole hearing.
He added that if granted freedom, his focus would not be on his own recovery but on repairing the damage to his loved ones:
“If I ever get the chance if granted freedom,
I want the healing process to focus on them. Don’t think it’s the healing of me—it’s the healing of the family. This is a family tragedy.”
Parole Board Cites Prison Misconduct and Brutality of Murders in Erik Menendez Hearing
During the parole hearing,
board members questioned Erik Menendez about his past legal troubles, including his involvement in two burglaries prior to the 1989 killings. Erik told the panel that decades in prison had helped him develop what he described as a “moral guardrail.”
The board, however, emphasized the brutal and compassionless nature of the murders, pointing to the severity of the crime as a major factor in their decision.
They also considered Erik’s health,
rehabilitation efforts, and whether he would pose a danger to society if released. A formal risk assessment determined that Erik Menendez would be classified as a “moderate risk” outside of prison.
The panel further reviewed his educational pursuits and prison programs but raised concerns about multiple disciplinary violations over the years. Records revealed Erik had been involved in fights and repeatedly caught with contraband.
Among the items discovered in his possession were a cell phone, art supplies, and tobacco—at one point hidden inside a religious book.
Lyle Menendez Parole Hearing Approaches as Family Pleads for Erik’s Release
The fate of Lyle Menendez will be considered separately, with his parole hearing scheduled before a different panel on Friday morning.
Unlike Erik, Lyle’s conduct both before and during his decades in prison has been evaluated differently, meaning the board’s decision in his case could take a separate course.
During Thursday’s parole hearing for Erik Menendez,
several relatives spoke in his defense, testifying that he had changed significantly over the years. His supporters, who have long advocated for the brothers’ release, urged the board to consider his rehabilitation. .
Among them was his aunt, Teresita Menendez-Baralt, who became emotional as she addressed the panel. Through tears, she said she had forgiven Erik for the death of her brother and for the pain the killings caused their family.
Teresita revealed she is battling stage four cancer and expressed her desire to see Erik free before it is too late:
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“The truth is I do not know how much time I have left.
Menendez Brothers Case Resurfaces Amid Claims of Abuse, Resentencing, and Renewed Public Attention
During their original trials, Erik and Lyle Menendez claimed they killed their parents in self-defense, alleging years of emotional and sexual abuse within their household.
Prosecutors, however,
painted a far different picture—arguing the brothers were motivated by greed. They accused Erik and Lyle of carefully planning the murders, deceiving investigators, and then embarking on a lavish $700,000 (£526,000) spending spree funded by their inheritance.
The brothers were not arrested until police learned of their confessions to a psychologist.
Case Resurfaces Three Decades Later
A combination of newly surfaced evidence, viral discussions on TikTok, a popular Netflix drama series, and commentary from celebrities reignited debate over whether justice had truly been served.
Still, the courts made no move until Los Angeles’ former top prosecutor revisited the case, ultimately recommending a judge reconsider sentencing. This decision reflected California’s evolving stance on both juvenile offenders and survivors of abuse.
New Sentencing Under California Law
A change in state law allowed individuals under 26 at the time of their crimes to be sentenced as minors rather than adults. Lyle was 21 and Erik just 18 when the murders occurred in 1989.
Despite opposition from current LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman, a judge ruled in May to reduce their punishment, resentencing both men to 50 years to life with the possibility of parole—a significant shift from their previous terms.
