Erik Menendez has been denied parole in California more than three decades after he and his brother Lyle were convicted of killing their parents in one of America’s most infamous murder cases.
The 53-year-old appeared virtually on Thursday before a parole board panel in San Diego for the first time since he became eligible for release earlier this year. After a hearing lasting more than 10 hours, officials concluded he still posed “an unreasonable risk to public safety”.
The Menendez brothers were convicted of murdering their wealthy parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in 1989. The pair were shot repeatedly in their Beverly Hills mansion as they watched television, with Erik reloading his shotgun to fire again at his mother. The case shocked the US and drew global media attention.
Board commissioner Robert Barton told Erik at the end of proceedings: “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.” He criticised Erik’s past conduct in prison and said his supporters were wrong to believe he had been a model inmate.
The decision means Erik cannot reapply for parole for another three years. His brother Lyle, 56, is scheduled to appear before a separate panel on Friday for his own parole suitability hearing.
Both brothers became eligible for parole after being resentenced in May. They have also requested clemency from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is considering the case. Granting clemency could reduce their sentences but would not overturn their convictions. Analysts say Newsom’s decision could be politically sensitive as he is viewed as a potential Democratic presidential candidate.
During Thursday’s hearing, prosecutors from the Los Angeles district attorney’s office argued against Erik’s release, claiming his positive behaviour in custody was motivated by a chance of freedom and that he had “no insight into his crimes”.
Erik grew emotional at times as he recalled the night of the killings and apologised to surviving relatives: “I just want my family to understand that I am so unimaginably sorry for what I have put them through from Aug. 20, 1989 until this day, and this hearing.”
Family members testified on his behalf, including his aunt, Teresita Menendez-Baralt, who said she had forgiven him. Breaking down in tears, she told the board: “If Erik is granted parole, it would be a blessing. I hope I live long enough to welcome him into my home, to sit at the same table, to wrap my arms around him.”
The brothers have long claimed they killed their parents in self-defence after years of sexual abuse, an allegation disputed during their trials. They are also seeking a new trial based on what they say is newly discovered evidence, but the request is opposed by the Los Angeles district attorney’s office.
The parole decision now leaves Erik facing at least three more years in prison.
