Erik Menendez, one half of the infamous Menendez brothers, has been denied parole after his first-ever hearing, nearly four decades after the murders of his parents shocked the country.
On Thursday, a California parole board rejected Menendez’s bid for release following a nearly 10-hour hearing, marking 36 years and one day since he and his brother, Lyle, killed Jose and Kitty Menendez inside their Beverly Hills mansion. Erik, now 54, attended the session via video from Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. He will not be eligible for parole again for three years.
Why the Board Said No
The parole board cited several reasons for the denial, including Menendez’s behavior behind bars, his earlier burglaries, and the shooting of his mother, which Commissioner Robert Barton called especially troubling.
“The killing of your mother especially showed a lack of empathy and reason,” Barton told him. He added that Erik had other options at the time, including leaving home or alerting authorities.
While acknowledging the complexities of sexual abuse cases, Barton emphasized that Erik’s prison record, not just the original crime, was the deciding factor. The board listed a history of misconduct, including inappropriate behavior with visitors, smuggling contraband, misusing state computers, and using illegal cellphones, even while running rehabilitative programs.
“You have not been a model prisoner,” Barton said. “We find that disturbing.”
Erik’s Defense
During the hearing, Menendez said he shot his mother because he felt she had betrayed him after learning she allegedly knew about his father’s abuse. He described being in a state of “terror, panic and rage” at the time of the killings.
Still, Barton urged him to take accountability rather than wallow in disappointment. “You can have a pity party,” he said, “or you can take to heart what we discussed.”
Family Support Runs Deep
Despite the denial, Menendez’s relatives, many of whom spoke on his behalf, expressed unwavering support. His aunt, Terry Baralt, the 85-year-old sister of Jose Menendez who is battling cancer, testified that she has forgiven her nephew.
“Erik carries himself with kindness, integrity and strength,” she said. “More than anything, I hope I live long enough to welcome him home.”
After the hearing, family members released a statement acknowledging their disappointment but maintaining hope. “Our belief in Erik remains unwavering,” they said. “His remorse, growth, and the positive impact he’s had on others speak for themselves.”
Next Up: Lyle’s Hearing
The spotlight now shifts to Erik’s older brother, Lyle Menendez, who faces his own parole hearing Friday. The brothers’ family said they are “cautiously optimistic” that Lyle’s rehabilitation will be recognized.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman opposes parole for either brother, arguing they have not shown full insight into their crimes and continue to present a moderate risk to society.
As Barton summed it up: “Two things can be true, they can love and forgive you, and you can still be found unsuitable for parole.”
