Lyle Menendez was denied parole on Friday for his role in the 1989 killings of his parents, just a day after the California parole board rejected the release of his brother Erik. The brothers have spent nearly 30 years behind bars for the murders of José and Kitty Menendez.
The brothers, who were 18 and 21 at the time, have said they fatally shot their parents after years of molestation by their father. They were sentenced to life in prison in 1996, with prosecutors arguing they committed the violence to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance. Their case has drawn international attention, with renewed interest due to social media and TV dramas highlighting the alleged abuse.
Last year, former Los Angeles district attorney George Gascón recommended resentencing, stating the brothers had paid their debt to society. In May, a judge reduced their original life sentences to 50 years with the possibility of parole. However, new district attorney Nathan Hochman opposed their release, arguing they never fully accepted responsibility.
On Thursday, the board denied Erik's parole, citing misbehavior in prison including using a cellphone, which demonstrated he still poses a risk to public safety. Commissioner Robert Barton said, 'Two things can be true. They can love and forgive you, and you can still be found unsuitable for parole.'
Friday's hearing, closed to the public, lasted 11 hours. Both brothers appeared by video link from the San Diego prison. The panel quizzed them on their behaviour and attitude towards the murders. California's governor Gavin Newsom will have the final say on their release.
