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Erik Menendez, who along with his brother Lyle has spent more than three decades in prison for the 1989 shotgun murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, has been denied parole. The decision was announced Thursday following a marathon 10-hour hearing during which Erik appeared via video from a San Diego prison.
Parole Board Commissioner Robert Barton said the board found that Erik continues to pose "an unreasonable risk to public safety." He cited Erik's past criminal behaviour, prison violations, and the nature of the murders. "Contrary to your supporters' beliefs, you have not been a model prisoner and frankly we find that a little disturbing," Barton said, noting incidents ranging from contraband smuggling to violent episodes over the years.
Erik, now 54, admitted to fearing for his life on the night of the killings but did not claim self-defence. He described the moment his mother revealed she knew of his father's abuse, calling it "the most devastating moment." He said his mother, too, was a victim of José, but "I saw no point in trying to save her from her husband — who she previously vowed she'd never leave."
Family members testified in support of Erik's release. Teresita Menendez-Baralt, Jose Menendez's sister, broke down in tears, saying she had "fully forgiven" Erik and called him a "sweet gentle soul." Facing stage four cancer, she added, "More than anything I hope I live long enough to welcome him into my home. To sit at the same table, to wrap my arms around him — that would bring me immeasurable peace and joy."
During the hearing, prosecutors emphasized that Erik's positive changes were motivated by a desire for release rather than genuine insight into his crimes. They argued he remains "an unreasonable risk to society." Erik described his time in prison as a period that helped him develop a "moral guardrail," though the board noted numerous violations, including involvement in a 2013 tax fraud scheme with other inmates.
The Menendez brothers, aged 18 and 21 at the time of the murders, have long claimed they acted after enduring sexual and emotional abuse. Prosecutors maintain the killings were premeditated, driven by greed, and followed by a lavish spending spree from their parents' estate.
Lyle Menendez is scheduled to face his own parole hearing on Friday. Erik may reapply for parole in three years, and the brothers have also sought clemency and a new trial based on newly discovered evidence, though these efforts are opposed by the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office.
