Menendez Brothers Case: Lyle Menendez Denied Parole After
Menendez Brothers Denied Parole
The Menendez brothers will remain in prison. On Aug. 21, Erik Menendez was denied parole, and his brother Lyle received the same decision the next day. Both were convicted of killing their parents in 1989 and will be eligible for parole again in three years, according to NBC News.
Reasons for Denial
Commissioner Robert Barton explained, “I believe in redemption…but based on the legal standards, we find that you continue to pose an unreasonable risk to public safety.” He cited past infractions, including Erik’s teenage burglaries and prison misconduct. Barton advised Erik, “You have two options: one is to have a pity party…or you can take to heart what we discussed.”
Brothers’ Reflections
Erik admitted, “I was not raised with a moral foundation…The idea that there is a right and wrong…was not instilled in me.” Lyle stated in May, “I killed my mom and dad. I make no excuses. I take full responsibility.”
Sentence and Future
In May, a judge reduced their life sentences to 50 years to life with parole eligibility. Despite 35 years in prison, Lyle promised, “I would never use violence to solve a problem.”
