Menendez brothers denied parole over misconduct, safety concerns
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Lyle and Erik Menendez are denied parole after over 35 years in prison for the 1989 murder of their parents.
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An Oct. 31, 2016, photo shows Erik Menendez, left, and a Feb. 22, 2018, photo shows Lyle Menendez. (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation via AP, File)
Lyle and Erik Menendez, convicted in 1996 for the murder of their parents at their Beverly Hills mansion, were both denied parole in August 2025 by California's parole board. Despite showing remorse and spending decades in rehabilitation, the board cited recent prison rule violations and lingering public safety concerns.
On August 22 and 23, 2025, the California parole board held separate hearings for Erik and Lyle Menendez, now in their 50s, at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. This marked their closest attempt at freedom since being sentenced to life in prison nearly 30 years ago.
The panel cited prison misconduct, particularly the possession of illegal cellphones, as grounds for their continued incarceration.
Lyle, the elder brother, was denied parole for three years. A day earlier, Erik received the same verdict. The board acknowledged their personal growth and rehabilitation efforts, but emphasized that such progress was undermined by their repeated rule-breaking.
Prison behavior overshadows rehabilitation efforts
Lyle Menendez's hearing lasted a full day. While the commissioners found his remorse to be sincere and his prison conduct largely positive, they pointed to “anti-social personality traits” like deception and minimization. Commissioner Julie Garland remarked, "Citizens are expected to follow the rules whether or not there is some incentive to do so."
Lyle defended his use of contraband cellphones, saying it was a response to perceived violations of his privacy, with prison staff allegedly leaking personal communications to the media. He admitted, "I convinced myself that it wasn’t harming anyone but myself."
Despite this, he described himself as someone who helps resolve inmate conflicts and who contributes meaningfully to prison programs. The panel acknowledged his role in beautification and mentorship initiatives, but noted the seriousness of his rule violations.
Impact of illegal cellphone use on parole outcome
Like his brother Erik, Lyle’s use of unauthorized phones played a central role in the board’s decision. Though Lyle maintained that he used the phones to communicate privately with family and manage stress in his marriage, the commissioners said this behavior undermined institutional rules.
Commissioner Patrick Reardon acknowledged Lyle’s efforts to change but questioned if his misconduct negated the positive contributions. "I would never call myself a model incarcerated person," Lyle responded, "but I’ve spent my time helping people."
Psychological assessments classified him as a “very low” risk for violence, and he has no record of physical altercations in prison. He said nonviolence was a promise he made to his grandmother.
Abuse allegations revisited during Lyle Menendez’s hearing
A significant part of Lyle’s parole hearing revisited the alleged abuse he and Erik suffered during childhood. Lyle tearfully described being physically assaulted by his father and sexually abused by his mother, claims consistent with prior testimony and new evidence that emerged in recent years.
He expressed deep sorrow, particularly over his mother's death. "I loved her and couldn’t imagine harming her," he said, describing a complex mix of guilt and trauma.
The panel asked why he had omitted parts of this abuse in a recent risk assessment. Lyle explained the emotional difficulty of discussing such personal trauma and a longstanding desire to protect his younger brother.
Legal background and 2025 resentencing
The Menendez brothers were convicted of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, on August 20, 1989. Their defense claimed years of sexual abuse led them to believe their lives were in danger, while prosecutors argued they were motivated by greed.
In 2023, new evidence prompted renewed legal scrutiny. The first new piece of evidence was a letter Erik wrote to his cousin eight months before the killings detailing the abuse he suffered at the hands of his parents.
The second piece of evidence was Roy Rosselló, a member of a boy band managed by the brothers' father, coming forward alleging that José Menendez had drugged and raped him when he was 14 years old in the 1980s.
What’s next for the Menendez brothers?
Both brothers can reapply for parole in three years, though administrative review might come sooner. They also have a pending habeas corpus petition filed in 2023 based on new evidence of abuse. Their family continues to advocate for their release, emphasizing their rehabilitation and the traumatic circumstances surrounding the crime.
The Menendez case remains a focal point in debates around trauma, justice, and the potential for redemption within the criminal justice system.
