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In a back-to-back decision, California’s Parole Board declined both Lyle and Erik Menendez’s requests for early release. The denial was largely due to contraband cellphones the brothers used while in prison.
Parole Commissioner Julie Garland said during the announcement that despite signs of positive behavior, Lyle still exhibits anti-social traits such as deception and rule-breaking. She noted his remorse is genuine but remains concerned about underlying issues.
Garland encouraged Lyle to continue his good behavior by participating in running programs for other inmates. He will be considered again for an administrative review within a year, with the possibility of a parole hearing in 18 months.
The board’s decision cited Lyle’s repeated use of contraband cellphones as key evidence against granting him parole. When questioned about needing a phone despite having an approved tablet, Lyle said prison guards sold them to tabloids for security reasons. His attorney expressed frustration that the hearing did not focus more on his positive behavior.
Erik Menendez was denied parole one day earlier after nearly 10 hours of deliberation. The board ruled he continued to pose “an unreasonable risk to public safety.” They criticized Erik’s rule violations and acknowledged infractions such as violence, manipulation, and criminal acts.
The brothers were convicted in 1996 for the murders of their wealthy parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, who were shot on August 20, 1989. The case gained renewed public support leading to resentencing in May, after which they became eligible for parole consideration.
Lyle Menendez’s next parole hearing is set to begin at 8:30 a.m. local time from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. His appearance will be virtual.
