Erik Menendez has been denied parole more than three decades after he and his brother Lyle were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, a case that captured national attention and continues to prompt debate about justice and accountability. At 54, Erik appeared via video from San Diego’s Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility for his first parole hearing, which lasted nearly ten hours.
The California parole board ultimately decided against his release, citing his past criminal history and behavior during incarceration. Erik won’t be eligible for another hearing for three years. Among the factors considered were past burglaries, the brutal nature of killing his mother, and misconduct in prison. Commissioner Robert Barton noted that killing his mother showed “a lack of empathy and reason,” pointing out that Erik, then 18, had other options like seeking help or leaving home.
Although Barton recognized the difficulty victims of family sexual abuse face in coming forward, he emphasized that this did not excuse Erik’s actions. During testimony, Erik said he shot his mother because he felt betrayed after learning she allegedly knew about his father’s abuse, saying he viewed both parents as one. He described feeling terror, panic, and rage on the night of the crime.
However, Barton stressed that the parole denial was based not only on the crime’s severity but also on Erik’s prison behavior. Contrary to supporters’ claims, Erik had not been a model prisoner. The board pointed to incidents involving contraband, misconduct with visitors, misuse of state computers, violent episodes, and possession of illegal cellphones. These actions suggested Erik still posed a public safety risk, despite participating in rehabilitation.
Barton urged Erik to seriously reflect and avoid self-pity, warning that meaningful change is necessary for future parole consideration.
Erik’s family has long supported his release and many testified on his behalf. His aunt, Terry Baralt, 85 and battling colon cancer, spoke about forgiving Erik and holding hope to welcome him into her home one day. After the decision, relatives expressed disappointment but reaffirmed their belief in his growth and remorse.
Barton acknowledged that forgiveness and denying parole can both be true simultaneously. Now, attention turns to Lyle Menendez, 57, scheduled for his parole hearing soon. Erik’s family hopes Lyle’s hearing will yield a different result, noting his efforts to accept responsibility and transform.
Initially sentenced to life without parole, both brothers were resentenced in May 2025 under youth offender statutes, making them eligible for parole consideration since they were young adults at the time of the crime. The judge cited supportive prison letters and their positive impact on other inmates. During resentencing, both admitted guilt and reflected on their crimes.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman opposed parole for either brother, arguing they had not fully accepted responsibility or shown complete rehabilitation. A recent risk assessment labeled them moderate risks if released, citing prison rule violations, including recent illegal cellphone possession by Erik.
Barton described the assessment as neutral but noted continuing behavior concerns.
For now, Erik must wait three years for another hearing unless he petitions for early review. His only earlier chance at release would be executive clemency, which is at Governor Gavin Newsom’s discretion.
The Menendez brothers remain central figures in ongoing discussions about crime, punishment, rehabilitation, and whether decades in prison can undo their horrific acts.
