Lyle Menendez, aged 57, was denied parole on Friday, keeping him incarcerated alongside his younger brother, Erik Menendez, whose parole request was also rejected the previous day. Lyle Menendez attended the parole hearing remotely from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. During the hearing, parole commissioner Julie Garland acknowledged Lyle's commendable behavior while in prison, including his non-violent conduct, participation in rehabilitation programs, and the positive relationships he has formed with fellow inmates and staff.
Despite these positive attributes, Garland mentioned that the parole board identified ongoing concerns regarding Lyle's potential risk to the public. "You have been a model inmate in many ways who has demonstrated the potential for change," Garland stated during Lyle Menendez's first-ever parole hearing. However, she cautioned that beneath this positive exterior, he continues to exhibit anti-social personality traits such as deception, minimization, and rule-breaking.
One significant concern raised by the commissioners was Lyle Menendez's history of illegal cellphone possession while incarcerated. Garland emphasized that individuals who violate prison rules are more likely to breach laws in society. "We understand that you had very little hope of being released for years," she said, referring to his original life sentence without the possibility of parole. She added that citizens are expected to adhere to the rules regardless of any incentives.
During the hearing, the board acknowledged Lyle Menendez's age at the time of the murders, noting that he was under 26 and highly influenced by a dysfunctional home environment. However, Garland pointed out Lyle's attempts to cover up the crime as indicative of poor judgment and deception regarding the risks posed by their father, Jose Menendez.
Garland encouraged Lyle Menendez to maintain hope and to embody the persona he presents while mentoring other inmates. "You need to practice what you preach about who you are and who you want to be," she advised. Lyle Menendez will be eligible for parole again in three years, but the board indicated he could receive an administrative review within one year, potentially leading to a hearing in as soon as 18 months.
The Menendez brothers' relatives expressed disappointment but remained hopeful about their future. In a statement released after the hearings, they praised Lyle and Erik for their honesty, accountability, and integrity during the parole process. "We know they will take time to reflect on the Board’s recommendations and will continue to lead, mentor, and build programs that support rehabilitation and hope for others," the family stated, emphasizing their unconditional love and support for the brothers.
Just one day prior to Lyle's hearing, Erik Menendez, aged 54, was also denied parole. The panel of commissioners for Erik's case, which differed from those reviewing Lyle's, based their decision on several factors. These included Erik's illegal use of cellphones in prison, prior burglaries, and the violent nature of the murders of their mother, Kitty Menendez. One commissioner noted that Erik's behavior in prison was a more significant factor in the denial than the gravity of the crime itself.
During his hearing, Erik Menendez maintained that the brothers acted out of fear after enduring years of sexual abuse from their father. He described the chaos leading up to the shooting, stating, "When I was running into the den, I was in a state of terror, of panic, of rage." Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who opposes the release of both brothers, remarked that the board's decision rightly reflects Erik Menendez's actions during his incarceration.
Both brothers are now eligible for parole again in three years. Although their requests were denied, they have the option to ask the parole board for a review of their cases. Additionally, California Governor Gavin Newsom has the authority to grant clemency to the Menendez brothers at any time.
Initially arrested in March 1990 for the murders that took place on August 20, 1989, the Menendez brothers were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Lyle was 21, while Erik was just 18 years old at the time of the incident. The brothers have claimed self-defense, citing years of abuse at the hands of their father. In a recent development, Judge Michael Jesic resentenced both brothers to 50 years to life in prison, allowing them the possibility of parole under youth offender laws. The judge expressed his admiration for the supportive letters from prison guards and the positive contributions the brothers have made to their fellow inmates' lives.
