Erik Menendez Denied Release at Parole Hearing 36 Years After Murdering Parents
Erik Menendez Denied Release,
The Menendez brothers fatally shot their parents in 1989, claiming they did so because of years of sexual abuse
A California parole board denied Erik Menendez release on Thursday, Aug. 21, more than 36 years after he and his brother, Lyle, killed their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion — crimes for which they were initially sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Erik, now 54, appeared via videoconference from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego during his parole hearing.
“While we respect the decision, today’s outcome was of course disappointing and not what we hoped for," a spokesperson for Lyle and Erik Menendez said on Thursday. "But our belief in Erik remains unwavering and we know he will take the Board’s recommendation in stride. His remorse, growth, and the positive impact he’s had on others speak for themselves. We will continue to stand by him and hold to the hope he is able to return home soon."
"Tomorrow, we turn our attention to Lyle’s hearing," the statement continued. "And while it is undoubtedly difficult, we remain cautiously optimistic and hopeful that the commissioner will see in Lyle what so many others have: a man who has taken responsibility, transformed his life, and is ready to come home.”
