Erik Menendez, who participated in the 1989 murder of his parents alongside his older brother, was refused parole during a hearing on Thursday and will stay behind bars.
At the time of the killings, he was eighteen.
The hearing for Lyle Menendez is set for this Friday. The Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego is where they are being detained.
Robert Barton, a commissioner on the California Board of Parole Hearings, stated, “We find that you continue to pose an unreasonable risk to public safety based on the legal standards. I believe in redemption or I wouldn’t be doing this job.”
Despite their family’s support for the brothers’ release, parole was denied due to the younger Menendez’s actions while incarcerated.
There are two possible outcomes. Barton stated that even if they love and forgive you, you may still be deemed ineligible for parole.
In three years, Menendez will be eligible for parole once more.
at a 1996 retrial, the brothers were found guilty of killing their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, at their Beverly Hills home. Following years of their father’s sexual assault, the boys claimed self-defense. The brothers allegedly wanted a multimillion-dollar inheritance, according to the prosecution. They were both given life sentences.
They were immediately eligible after a judge in May lowered their sentences to 50 years to life with the prospect of release.
While incarcerated, Erik Menendez allegedly assisted with a tax scheme, purchased drugs, used smartphones, and collaborated with a prison gang.
He explained to the parole commissioners that he took these actions for his own internal safety.
Erik Menendez became a remarkable prisoner after finding faith and sobriety in 2013, according to Heidi Rummel, his parole attorney. Additionally, he established an organization to care for elderly and disabled prisoners.
Last month, 54-year-old Erik Menendez had treatment for kidney stones. He has been incarcerated for over 30 years.
The two could yet be granted clemency by Governor Gavin Newsom, contingent on the outcome of Lyle Menendez’s hearing.
The Menendez family released a statement saying, “We respect the decision, but today’s outcome was obviously disappointing and not what we hoped for.” However, we continue to have faith in Erik and are certain that he will accept the Board’s proposal. His regret, development, and the good influence he has had on others are self-evident. In the hopes that he can get back home soon, we will continue to support him. We will focus on Lyle’s hearing tomorrow. Despite the fact that it is definitely challenging, we are cautiously hopeful that the commissioner will see in Lyle what so many others have seen: a guy who has accepted responsibility, changed his life, and is prepared to return home.
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