Menendez brothersLyle Menendez has been denied parole for his role in the 1989 killings of his parents, a day after his younger brother Erik’s bid for release was also rejected.
The California parole board ruled against releasing the 57-year-old on Friday, with Governor Gavin Newsom holding the final decision on his case.
Lyle and Erik Menendez were sentenced to life in prison in 1996 for the murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez. The brothers, who were 21 and 18 at the time of the shootings, claimed they acted after years of sexual abuse by their father. Prosecutors argued they killed their parents in order to secure a multimillion-dollar inheritance.
The case, widely televised during the 1990s, has continued to attract public attention through documentaries and dramas revisiting the brothers’ claims of abuse. Family members have long backed their allegations.
Judge reduces Menendez brothers life sentences
In May, a California judge reduced their life sentences to terms of 50 years with the possibility of parole. Former Los Angeles district attorney George Gascón had previously supported their resentencing, saying they had “paid their debt to society” and were victims of severe dysfunction and abuse at home.
However, current district attorney Nathan Hochman opposed their release, saying they had not fully accepted responsibility.
On Thursday, Erik’s parole was denied after commissioners cited his misconduct in prison, including unauthorised use of a mobile phone. Commissioner Robert Barton said: “Two things can be true. They can love and forgive you, and you can still be found unsuitable for parole.”
Hochman welcomed the decision, stating that Erik’s behaviour in custody showed he still posed “an unreasonable risk of danger to the community”. Erik will be eligible for parole again in three years.
Friday’s closed-door hearing for Lyle lasted 11 hours. Both brothers appeared by video link from the San Diego prison where they are being held.
