A California parole board has denied parole for Erik Menendez, who was convicted alongside his brother Lyle of murdering their parents in 1989, delivering a crippling blow to the brothers’ yearslong fight for release.
The decision does not bode well for Lyle Menendez, whose case is set to be heard by the parole board Friday.
Despite the board’s ruling, Erik Menendez still has hope of walking free. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has the rare power to reverse parole decisions, and the brothers are separately seeking clemency and a new trial.
The decision was delivered Thursday after an exceptionally long 10-hour virtual hearing involving statements from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Erik Menendez and about a dozen supportive Menendez relatives – who are also considered victims of the brothers’ crime.
Ultimately, the board decided Erik continues to “pose an unreasonable risk to public safety” if released, listing his teenage criminal history, the brutality of the killings and “serious violations” of prison rules, including possession of contraband cell phones, said parole commissioner Robert Barton. He may become reeligible for parole in three years.
