Erik Menendez, one of the brothers convicted of killing their parents in 1989, was denied parole on Thursday following a marathon 10-hour virtual hearing that included testimony from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Erik himself, and about a dozen relatives who expressed forgiveness and support. Despite the strong backing from family members, parole commissioners concluded that Erik still poses “an unreasonable risk to public safety” if released. He will be eligible to apply again in three years.
Parole commissioner Robert Barton cited Erik’s teenage criminal record, the brutality of the Beverly Hills murders, and his disciplinary history behind bars, including possession of contraband cell phones, as reasons for the decision. While acknowledging the extraordinary support shown by Erik’s relatives, Barton emphasized that their forgiveness could not outweigh the seriousness of his conduct. “Two things can be true. They can love and forgive you, and you can still be found unsuitable for parole,” Barton said. He added that Erik’s prison behavior, not just the gravity of the crime, factored heavily in the denial.
The decision is not final. It will undergo a 120-day internal review, after which California Governor Gavin Newsom has 30 days to either affirm or overturn the board’s findings. Erik and his older brother, Lyle Menendez, became eligible for parole after a judge resentenced them in May, reducing their original life-without-parole terms. Lyle’s case will be considered separately, with his hearing scheduled for Friday, raising the possibility that the brothers could receive different outcomes.
The Menendez brothers’ case has remained one of the most notorious in American criminal history. On August 20, 1989, Erik and Lyle fatally shot their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, inside their Beverly Hills mansion. The pair later admitted to the killings but argued they acted in self-defense after enduring years of sexual and physical abuse from their father, claims their mother allegedly ignored. The brothers’ legal battle gained renewed attention in recent years through documentaries, a fictionalized Netflix series, and a wave of social media advocacy calling for their release.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who has consistently opposed their release, welcomed Thursday’s ruling. He has long argued that the brothers have not accepted full responsibility for their crimes and that corroborating evidence of their abuse allegations is lacking. Meanwhile, the Menendez family expressed disappointment but vowed to continue supporting Erik. In a statement, they highlighted his remorse and positive influence in prison, adding, “We will continue to stand by him and hold to the hope he is able to return home soon.”
