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Prison conduct and contraband: Four things we learned from Erik Menendez's parole hearing

August 22, 2025

Erik and Lyle Menendez, who have spent decades in prison for killing their parents in 1989, were denied parole after separate hearings in California this week. Both brothers' parole denials were primarily based on their behavior in prison, including rule violations such as unauthorized mobile phone use, rather than the original crimes. Despite claiming self-defense based on alleged abuse by their father, the parole commissioners cited concerns about anti-social personality traits and institutional misconduct that suggested they might break rules in society.

Who is affected

  • Erik and Lyle Menendez (the brothers denied parole)
  • The Menendez family members, including their aunt Teresita Menendez-Baralt and cousin Eileen Cano
  • Vulnerable inmates whom Lyle claims to have helped during his incarceration

What action is being taken

  • Parole boards in California are denying the Menendez brothers' release based on their prison behavior
  • Family members are actively supporting the brothers' release through testimony at the hearings
  • The brothers are acknowledging their crimes and expressing remorse for their actions
  • Lyle is continuing to help vulnerable inmates while incarcerated

Why it matters

  • The brothers have served decades in prison for a high-profile murder case
  • Their parole denial was based on ongoing prison misconduct rather than the original crime
  • The case involves complex claims of self-defense related to alleged abuse
  • Family members have forgiven them and want them released, with the aunt specifically mentioning her late-stage cancer and desire to see Erik before she dies
  • The commissioners' decisions reflect the principle that prison behavior indicates potential societal behavior

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC