Menendez Brothers Denied Parole in California – 2025 Update
On Friday, Lyle Menendez, age 57, faced denial of parole by a California board, following a similar outcome for his younger brother Erik just a day earlier. Both siblings have spent nearly 35 years behind bars in a San Diego prison.
During Erik’s hearing, parole commissioners expressed their disappointment regarding his prison conduct, which included multiple cellphone infractions. Commissioner Robert Barton highlighted this behavior, stating, “You have not been a model prisoner,” describing the actions as “selfish” and “disturbing,” despite strong advocacy from family members.
The panel subsequently decided Erik would remain incarcerated for at least another three years. His reaction was marked by visible distress as he listened to Barton’s remarks, which underscored the duality of love and accountability: “Two things can be true. They can love and forgive you, and you can still be found unsuitable for parole.”
These hearings represented the closest opportunity for both brothers to seek release since their life sentences were moderated in May, granting them eligibility for parole evaluations.
The Menendez brothers were famously convicted in 1996 for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, inside their affluent Beverly Hills home. Prosecutors maintained that the brothers committed the acts in pursuit of a multimillion-dollar inheritance, while their defense argued that they acted in self-defense after enduring years of abuse from their father. The jury ultimately favored the prosecution’s narrative.
Following the tragic events, Lyle and Erik engaged in a lavish spending spree, acquiring luxury vehicles, high-end watches, and overseas travel. Their arrest in 1990 was prompted by Erik’s confession during a therapy session.
At the recent parole hearing, Barton emphasized the brutality of the crimes, particularly the “execution-style” nature of Kitty Menendez’s murder. He remarked, “The killing of your mother especially showed a lack of empathy and reason. I don’t know that I’ve ever had rage to that level.”
Almost 35 years post-crime, the Menendez case remains a significant part of American legal history—a shocking parricide trial that captivated the nation. With Friday’s ruling, both brothers will continue to serve their sentences, leaving their supporters yearning for a different outcome.