California Parole Board Denies Release of Erik Menendez After 30 Years Behind Bars
The California Board of Parole Hearings has denied parole for Erik Menendez, who has spent nearly three decades in prison for the infamous killing of his parents alongside his brother, Lyle Menendez.
In 1996, the Menendez brothers were sentenced to life in prison for the 1989 murders of their father, Jose Menendez, and mother, Kitty Menendez, inside their Beverly Hills mansion. At the time, Erik was just 18 and Lyle 21.
While the defense argued the brothers acted in self-defense after enduring years of sexual abuse, prosecutors insisted they committed the killings to claim a multimillion-dollar inheritance.
Parole Denied for 3 Years
On Thursday, commissioners ruled that Erik Menendez will not be eligible for parole again for three years. His brother, Lyle Menendez, is set to face his own parole hearing on Friday at the same San Diego prison.
Commissioners grilled Erik in an all-day hearing, questioning him about the killings and his prison record.
“Two things can be true. They can love and forgive you, and you can still be found unsuitable for parole,” said Commissioner Robert Barton. He stressed that the decision was based less on the crime itself and more on Erik’s prison behavior, including rule violations, gang ties, and cellphone use.
A Case That Still Fascinates the Nation
The Menendez case remains one of the most talked-about true crime stories in America. Their convictions nearly 30 years ago stunned the public, and this parole hearing marked their closest chance yet at freedom.
A Los Angeles judge had recently reduced their sentences from life without parole to 50 years to life, citing California law that allows parole consideration for those under 26 years old at the time of their crimes. This ruling opened the door for their parole eligibility.
Erik’s Own Words
During the hearing, Erik gave one of his most detailed accounts in years about his upbringing and decisions.
“I was not raised with a moral foundation. I was raised to lie, cheat, and steal,” he admitted. Reflecting on the night of the killings, he said, “Running away was inconceivable. Running away meant death.”
He also defended his rule violations, saying that before parole was possible, he prioritized survival over following prison rules. “Now the consequences matter. Now they mean I’m destroying my life,” he said.
Family Support & Emotional Testimonies
Over a dozen relatives spoke via videoconference, some forgiving Erik completely. His aunt, Teresita Menendez-Baralt, who is battling stage 4 cancer, said she wants to welcome him home.
“Erik carries himself with kindness, integrity, and strength that comes from patience and grace,” she said.
One family member even offered to house him in Colorado, helping him rebuild life in a peaceful environment.
Praise from His Defense
His attorney, Heidi Rummel, argued that 2013 marked a turning point, when Erik found faith, sobriety, and accountability. He also started a group to care for elderly and disabled inmates, earning recognition from Commissioner Rachel Stern.
Prosecution Pushback
But prosecutors remained firm. LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman compared the Menendez brothers to Sirhan Sirhan, the man who assassinated Robert F. Kennedy, accusing them of lacking true insight.
During closing arguments, prosecutor Habib Balian questioned Erik’s sincerity, claiming he was still minimizing responsibility.
“When someone keeps making the same excuses after 30 years, they remain the same dangerous person they were when they murdered their parents,” Balian said.
The Road Ahead
While Erik’s parole was denied, the case isn’t over. He’ll have another chance in three years, while his brother Lyle faces the board next. But for now, the Menendez brothers remain behind bars, still a haunting reminder of one of America’s most notorious family murders.