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Erik Menendez denied parole three decades after killing his parents in LA

August 22, 2025

Erik Menendez's first parole hearing after resentencing ended in denial, with the California parole board ruling he continues to pose "an unreasonable risk to public safety" despite his claims of redemption. The board cited prison violations and past criminal activity in their decision following a 10-hour hearing where Erik expressed remorse for the 1989 shotgun murders of his parents in Beverly Hills. While Erik must wait three years for another parole hearing, his brother Lyle faces his own hearing, and both brothers are pursuing multiple avenues for freedom including clemency from Governor Gavin Newsom and a request for a new trial based on additional evidence.

Who is affected

  • Erik and Lyle Menendez, convicted for killing their parents in 1989
  • The Menendez family members, including their aunt Teresita Menendez-Baralt who testified on Erik's behalf
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is considering a clemency request
  • The parole board members who evaluated Erik's case
  • The Los Angeles district attorney's office, which opposes the brothers' request for a new trial

What action is being taken

  • California parole officials are conducting hearings to determine the Menendez brothers' suitability for release
  • Governor Gavin Newsom is separately considering a clemency request from the brothers
  • The brothers are requesting a new trial based on additional evidence
  • A judge is currently reviewing the request for a new trial
  • Family members are actively advocating for the brothers' release

Why it matters

  • The case represents California's evolving approach to juvenile offenders and abuse survivors
  • The brothers' sentences were recently reduced from life without parole to 50 years to life with the possibility of parole
  • The case has received renewed public attention through TikTok, Netflix, and celebrity advocacy
  • The case highlights changing perspectives on claims of self-defense due to abuse
  • Political implications exist for Governor Newsom, who is considered a potential Democratic presidential candidate

What's next

  • Lyle Menendez will appear before a different parole board panel for his own hearing
  • Erik Menendez can try for parole again in three years
  • Governor Newsom will make a decision on the brothers' clemency request
  • A judge will rule on their request for a new trial
  • The Los Angeles district attorney's office continues to oppose their request for a new trial

Read full article from source: BBC

Erik Menendez denied parole three decades after killing his parents in LA