Parole Board Rejects Release Bid
Lyle Menendez, one of the two brothers convicted of killing their parents in 1989, has been denied parole in California after a marathon hearing that lasted more than 10 hours. The decision came just one day after his younger brother, Erik Menendez, was also denied release from prison.
The California parole board cited ongoing concerns about Lyle’s behavior and the brutal nature of the killings in rejecting his application. According to parole commissioner Julie Garland, while Lyle has shown genuine remorse, his record reflects ongoing behavioral risks.
“Despite all those outward positives, we see … you still struggle with anti-social personality traits like deception, minimisation and rule breaking that lie beneath that positive surface,” Garland said during the ruling, according to the BBC.
Lyle, now 57, will be eligible to reapply for parole in three years, though the timeline could be shortened to 18 months with good behavior.
Brutal Case That Gripped America
The Menendez brothers were convicted of fatally shooting their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, inside their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. During their high-profile trials in the 1990s, the brothers argued they acted in self-defense after enduring years of sexual and emotional abuse. Prosecutors countered that they were motivated by greed, pointing to the brothers’ lavish spending spree of about $700,000 following the murders.
The case captured international attention, becoming one of the most infamous true crime stories of the late 20th century. The brothers were eventually sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Prison Conduct Raises Concerns
In reviewing Lyle’s case, the parole panel scrutinized his conduct behind bars. A major sticking point was his repeated use of contraband cell phones in prison, despite acknowledging their prohibition.
Commissioner Patrick Reardon questioned whether his positive contributions — such as mentoring inmates, launching educational programs, and earning college degrees — outweighed his rule-breaking. Lyle admitted to using mobile phones for privacy, even though he had access to an approved tablet device.
Prison officials consider unauthorized phones highly dangerous, citing risks such as drug trafficking, witness intimidation, and escape coordination. The board concluded that his repeated infractions raised concerns about his ability to follow rules if released.
Emotional Plea and Remorse
During the hearing, Lyle expressed deep remorse for his role in the killings.
“I’m profoundly sorry for who I was … for the harm that everyone has endured,” he said. “I will never be able to make up for the harm and grief I caused everyone in my family. I am so sorry to everyone, and I will be forever sorry.”
Family members, including cousin Eileen Cano, testified on his behalf, praising his rehabilitation and character growth. “While most people surrender to the crushing weight of prison life, Lyle rose above it,” Cano told the panel.
What’s Next for the Menendez Brothers
The parole denials for both brothers shift attention to California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is reviewing a clemency request filed by their legal team. Clemency could reduce their sentences or even grant pardons, though such a move would carry significant political risk for Newsom, who is said to be considering a presidential run.
Additionally, the Menendez brothers are pursuing a new trial based on newly surfaced evidence alleging long-term sexual abuse by their father. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office opposes the request, and a judge is currently weighing the matter.
For now, the brothers remain in prison, where they have spent more than three decades. Their next chance at parole may be years away, unless their clemency petition or retrial bid succeeds.