Erik Menendez to Remain in Prison After Parole Denial, Lyle’s Fate Hangs in Balance
San Diego, CA – August 22, 2025 – Erik Menendez, convicted alongside his brother Lyle for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, will stay behind bars after the California Board of Parole Hearings denied his parole request on Thursday, August 21, 2025. The decision, announced after a nearly 10-hour virtual hearing at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, cited Erik’s recent prison misconduct, including possession of a contraband cellphone in January 2025, and concerns about his full acceptance of responsibility for the brutal killings. Erik, 54, will be eligible for another parole hearing in 2028, while Lyle Menendez, 57, awaits his own parole decision later today, Friday, August 22, at 5 PM PDT.
Details of the Parole Denial
The parole board’s ruling hinged on Erik’s prison behavior and the nature of the crime. Commissioner Robert Barton, who presided over the hearing, pointed to Erik’s “selfish” use of contraband cellphones to access YouTube, music, and pornography, stating it showed a belief that “rules don’t apply to him.” The board also referenced his teenage burglary record and the “lack of empathy” in the murders, particularly the killing of Kitty Menendez, which involved multiple shotgun blasts. Despite Erik’s admission during the hearing that the murders were not justified and his expression of remorse, the board concluded he remains an “unreasonable risk to public safety,” supported by a recent “moderate risk” assessment partly due to his disciplinary violations.
Erik and Lyle became eligible for parole in May 2025 after a Los Angeles judge resentenced them from life without parole to 50 years to life, citing California’s youth offender laws, as they were 18 and 21 at the time of the crime. The decision followed years of advocacy highlighting their claims of sexual abuse by their father, Jose, though prosecutors argued the murders were driven by financial motives, with the brothers inheriting a multimillion-dollar estate.
Family and Supporters React
The Menendez family, vocal advocates for the brothers’ release, expressed disappointment but stood firm in their support. “Today’s outcome was deeply disappointing, but our belief in Erik remains steadfast,” they said in a statement to ABC News. They praised his prison contributions, including mentoring inmates and aiding hospice care, and expressed hope for Lyle’s hearing, noting, “We are optimistic the commissioner will recognize Lyle’s transformation and readiness to return home.” Supporters on X echoed this, with posts like, “Erik’s denial is heartbreaking. His growth and remorse are clear—free the Menendez brothers!” Others criticized the decision, citing the abuse narrative amplified by Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who opposed parole, praised the board, stating, “The decision honors the memory of Jose and Kitty Menendez and reflects the gravity of Erik’s actions.” Hochman argued that both brothers lack full insight into their crimes, a view shared by prosecutors who compared their case to other high-profile parole denials.
Lyle’s Hearing and Legal Outlook
Lyle’s parole hearing, underway today at the same facility, will focus on his own prison record, which includes similar cellphone violations but also notable rehabilitation efforts, such as founding the GreenSpace prison beautification project. A favorable ruling for Lyle would trigger a 120-day review by the Board’s chief counsel, followed by a 30-day decision period for Governor Gavin Newsom, who has not commented publicly to maintain impartiality. Newsom’s past reversals of parole grants, like that of Sirhan Sirhan in 2022, suggest a cautious approach.
Beyond parole, the brothers have a pending habeas corpus petition filed in May 2023, seeking a new trial based on new evidence supporting their abuse claims, including a letter allegedly written by Erik detailing the abuse. A judge recently ordered prosecutors to respond, keeping the legal battle alive.
A Case That Divides
The Menendez case continues to polarize, with supporters citing the brothers’ trauma and rehabilitation, while critics argue their premeditated crime warrants continued incarceration. As Lyle’s hearing concludes, the outcome will determine whether the brothers’ paths diverge or if both remain in prison. For now, Erik’s denial underscores the challenges of securing parole in a case steeped in decades of controversy.