The California parole board recently denied parole to Erik and Lyle Menendez, who have been incarcerated for over three decades following the brutal killing of their parents in 1989.
This decision comes after extensive hearings in which the brothers were questioned about their past abuse, mindset during and after the murders, and their behavior within prison walls.
During the hearings, both brothers presented a narrative of childhood trauma and victimization, yet the commissioners made it clear that their current infractions and past actions heavily weighed on their decision.
Erik and Lyle Menendez were convicted in 1996 for murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home.
The case has generated significant public interest over the years, with recent documentaries and series on platforms like Netflix reigniting discussions about their story and garnering a swell of support for the duo.
The latest hearings represented the closest the brothers have come to the possibility of freedom since their convictions.
Despite being denied parole with three-year setbacks, they may have another opportunity to appeal for a review in a year.
This could allow them a chance to return to the parole board as early as 18 months from now.
A significant focus of the hearings was the use of contraband cellphones, which the commissioners stressed is no trivial matter in the prison environment.
They highlighted that cellphones can disrupt prison order, enabling various illegal activities such as drug trafficking and communication related to organized crime.
Commissioner Robert Barton told Erik Menendez that his use of an illicit cellphone suggested a belief that rules do not apply to him, calling his actions “selfish.”
Erik expressed that, in his view, the benefits of connecting with the outside world through the phone outweighed the potential consequences of breaking the rules.
He stated that the phone allowed him to communicate with his wife, listen to music, watch YouTube, and even access pornography during his time in prison.
On the other hand, Lyle Menendez also faced cellphone infractions in recent years, citing the need for privacy in his communications to protect his family from being monitored by prison staff.
He remarked that he didn’t think his actions were significantly disruptive to prison management, viewing them instead as attempts to maintain familial connections.
Both brothers were criticized for not being model prisoners, countering the perception many may have had of their rehabilitation.
Erik Menendez had a history of more serious rule violations, including his association with a prison gang known as the Two Fivers.
He explained to the commissioners that aligning with the gang was a means of survival in a violent prison yard, claiming that the fear of violence led him to cooperate with them.
He admitted that in the early years of his imprisonment he turned to substance abuse, but reported becoming sober in 2013.
While Lyle committed fewer infractions, Commissioner Julie Garland pointed out that he still exhibited troubling behaviors, noting traits of deception and a tendency to break rules.
Garland emphasized concerns about how behavioral patterns in prison often reflect potential actions in society if the individuals were released.
One of the central issues raised during the hearings involved the killing of Kitty Menendez.
Commissioner Barton expressed deep concern over the nature of her murder, describing Erik’s actions as showing a “devoid” sense of compassion.
He noted that no immediate fear for their safety existed that justified their drastic actions, suggesting that the brothers should have sought assistance outside their home or from authorities.
Lyle Menendez’s specific act of shooting Kitty a second time was characterized as callous by Garland, who also scrutinized his attempts to mislead police investigations.
In terms of risk assessment, Governor Gavin Newsom had ordered a review of the Menendez brothers in relation to a clemency request.
Although details of that assessment remained unpublished, District Attorney Nathan Hochman disclosed that both brothers were classified as a “moderate risk.”
Barton indicated that this classification was neutral at best, contributing to their parole denial.
Analyzing broader trends, a study by the Prison Policy Initiative found that prisoners categorized as “moderate risk” in California had only a 22% chance of being granted parole.
The state has a reputation for being particularly stringent regarding parole applications.
Despite their continuing struggles for freedom, supporters of the Menendez brothers maintain that they have shown remorse and have worked on their rehabilitation during their time in prison.
Supporters promised to continue standing by Erik and Lyle Menendez as they navigate their path forward, affirming their love and commitment throughout this ongoing journey.
image source from：patch
