A California parole board has denied Erik Menendez’s bid for freedom. The decision was based on his misconduct behind bars, not the severity of his crime, leaving supporters disappointed.
In a long-awaited decision that has once again placed the notorious Menendez case in the national spotlight, a California parole board has denied Erik Menendez’s request for release.
After a day-long hearing, a two-member panel ruled that Menendez, 54, will remain incarcerated, citing his “continued willingness to violate prison rules” as the primary reason for their decision.
The denial, which was widely reported by the Associated Press and other major news outlets, came as a major blow to Erik and his supporters, who had spent months campaigning for his freedom.
The Hearing’s Outcome: “Not a Model Prisoner”
The parole hearing, which took place via video conference from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, lasted for nearly 10 hours. While the parole board acknowledged the tragic nature of the case and the potential for rehabilitation, it focused heavily on Erik’s conduct during his decades behind bars.
According to Commissioner Robert Barton, the denial was based less on the gravity of the murders themselves and more on a pattern of “institutional misconduct”.
Barton stated, “Contrary to your supporters’ beliefs, you have not been a model prisoner, and frankly, we find that a little disturbing.”
The commissioner’s decision was influenced by a series of rule violations in Erik’s record, including the unauthorised use of cellphones, drug use, and allegations of gang-related activity.
When questioned about these violations, Erik reportedly told the board that his behaviour was a result of having “no hope” of ever being released.
He claimed that after a judge in May reduced his and his brother’s sentences, he changed his ways, stating, “Now the consequences mattered.”
However, the board was not fully convinced. “We find that you continue to pose an unreasonable risk to public safety,” Barton said, citing that the same willingness to break rules in prison could translate to similar behaviour in the outside world.
The Reactions: A Family’s Plea and A Prosecutor’s Opposition
The denial was delivered despite emotional testimony from several of Erik’s relatives, who have long forgiven the brothers and pleaded for their release.
His aunt, Teresita Menendez-Baralt, who is battling cancer, told the board she hoped she would “live long enough to welcome him into my home.” The family released a statement expressing their disappointment but vowing to continue their support.
On the other side of the argument, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman opposed parole, arguing that the brothers have not shown “full insight into their crimes”.
He and his office maintained that the brothers’ claims of self-defense were a lie and that their true motive was greed. Hochman commended the parole board’s decision, stating that it “does justice for Jose and Kitty Menendez.”
What’s Next for Erik and Lyle
Erik Menendez will be eligible for another parole hearing in three years. He and his brother Lyle still have a pending habeas corpus petition that seeks to have their convictions overturned based on new evidence of the alleged abuse they suffered.
That legal process remains active and is separate from the parole board’s decision.
Lyle Menendez is also scheduled for his first parole hearing, which is set to take place tomorrow, Friday, August 22.
The outcome of that hearing will be closely watched, as it could have a significant impact on his legal future and the ongoing saga of the Menendez brothers.
For now, Erik’s long journey for freedom has been halted, and the nation waits to see what the next chapter holds.
Follow Europeans24 for more news updates on crime!
