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3h ago

California Panels Deny Parole to Erik and Lyle Menendez in Consecutive Hearings

The rulings followed a May resentencing that made them eligible under the state’s youthful‑offender law.

Erik Menendez appears virtually for his parole board hearing from the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego.
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This combination of two booking photos provided by the California Department of Corrections shows Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez. (California Department of Corrections via AP, File)

Overview

  • Erik Menendez was found unsuitable after a nearly 10‑hour Aug. 21 hearing and received a minimal three‑year denial before reconsideration.
  • Lyle Menendez was rejected on Aug. 22 in a separate session, leaving no immediate path to release.
  • Commissioners cited Erik’s extensive prison misconduct—contraband phones, drugs, fights, and aiding a gang tax scheme—as evidence of continuing public‑safety risk.
  • Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman opposed release, arguing the brothers have not fully accepted responsibility despite family support and claims of rehabilitation.
  • A judge in May reduced their sentences to 50 years to life, making them parole‑eligible; any future grant would undergo board legal review and potential action by the governor, and Erik may petition to advance or pursue clemency.