The family of Erik and Lyle Menendez said they are disappointed, but not discouraged after two days of highly anticipated and lengthy parole hearings that both ended in denials for the brothers serving prison terms for the 1989 shotgun murders of their parents.
Lyle Menendez was denied parole for three years, sharing the same fate as his brother a day earlier, in a hearing that began Friday morning and stretched well into the evening. Parole hearings in California generally last two to three hours.
Family members, some of whom spoke to the panel of parole board commissioners, released a statement after Friday’s hearing.
“While we are of course disappointed by today’s decision as well, we are not discouraged,” the family said. “The process for parole is exceptionally rigorous, but we are incredibly proud of how Erik and Lyle showed up — with honesty, accountability, and integrity.
“This is not the end of the road. Both will go before the Board again, and their habeas petition remains under review. In the meantime, we know they will take time to reflect on the Board’s recommendations and will continue to lead, mentor, and build programs that support rehabilitation and hope for others.
“We know they are good men who have done the work to rehabilitate and are remorseful. We love them unconditionally and will continue to stand by them on the journey ahead.”
The habeus petition is essentially a request for a new trial based on evidence that was not part of the brothers’ first two trials in the early 1990s. The brothers’ third route to freedom would be a clemency request to the governor.
Commissioners denied parole for three years for both Erik and Lyle Menendez, meaning their next eligible hearing date would be in 2028. Three years is the shortest denial length under California law. Incarcerated people in California also may petition for an earlier hearing, “if there is a change in circumstances or new information indicating the person may be suitable for parole.”