Erik Menendez Denied Parole Decades After Conviction
- Erik Menendez was denied parole primarily due to prison violations and the nature of the crime.
- He detailed childhood abuse as a motive but admitted to lacking self-defense justification.
- Family members overwhelmingly supported his release, but the board remained unconvinced.
- His next parole hearing will be in three years, with Governor Newsom retaining clemency authority.
Erik Menendez, the younger of the two Menendez brothers, has been denied parole in his first-ever hearing, ensuring he remains behind bars for at least three more years.
The decision came after a lengthy virtual hearing that revisited one of America’s most notorious murder cases, which continues to captivate public attention decades later.
The California parole board denied Erik Menendez release after a nearly 10-hour hearing, emphasizing his history of prison violations and the brutal nature of the 1989 killings. Despite acknowledging his youth at the time of the crime and the abuse he endured, the board concluded he still poses a risk to public safety.
Parole Commissioner Robert Barton stated,
“I believe in redemption or I wouldn’t be doing this job … but based on the legal standards, we find that you continue to pose an unreasonable risk to public safety.”
The board specifically highlighted Erik’s use of contraband cellphones, drug smuggling, and incidents of violence during his incarceration. Barton noted that while the seriousness of the crime was considered, the primary reason for denial was his conduct in prison.
Erik’s Account of the Murders and Abuse AllegationsErik Menendez described the fear and abuse he and his brother suffered at the hands of their father, Jose Menendez, explaining why they felt compelled to buy guns and ultimately kill their parents. He detailed the sexual abuse he endured and the pervasive control his father exerted over the family.
Erik Menendez said,
“My father was the most terrifying human being I’d ever met. Running away was inconceivable. Running away meant death.”
He also addressed the killing of his mother, Kitty Menendez, stating that he saw her as complicit in the abuse. The parole board, however, questioned why she was killed if the primary threat was their father.
Family Support and Emotional AppealsDozens of relatives, including the sister of Jose Menendez, spoke in support of Erik’s release, emphasizing his rehabilitation and expressing forgiveness. Some family members made emotional appeals, highlighting their desire to reunite with him.
Teresita Menendez-Baralt, Erik’s aunt, shared,
“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.”
Despite this overwhelming support, the board remained unconvinced that Erik’s transformation was sufficient to guarantee public safety.
Prosecution’s Opposition and Next StepsThe Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office opposed Erik’s release, arguing that he lacked full remorse and continued to deflect responsibility for the murders. They also questioned the credibility of the abuse claims, citing inconsistencies in the brothers’ stories over the years.
Erik will be eligible for parole again in three years. Meanwhile, attention now turns to his brother Lyle, whose parole hearing is scheduled next. Both brothers also have a pending clemency request with California Governor Gavin Newsom, who holds the ultimate authority to grant their release.
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Last Updated on August 22, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
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