Menendez brothers: Lyle to face parole board after Erik's bid for freedom was denied
Share and Follow

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KABC) — One day after his brother’s bid for freedom was denied, Lyle Menendez will go before a parole board Friday after spending decades in prison for murdering their parents in 1989.

Erik Menendez’s virtual parole hearing on Thursday and lasted 10 hours. Lyle’s will likely also take most of the day, though he will face a different panel than his brother did.

The brothers were convicted of first-degree murder in 1996 during a retrial and sentenced to life in prison without parole. After a years-long battle, the Menendez brothers were resentenced to 50 years to life with the possibility of parole. Due to that resentencing, they became eligible for parole hearings under youth offender parole laws.

Following Thursday’s extensive hearing, the board denied parole for Erik, who will have to remain in prison for three more years until he can be eligible for parole again.

Erik Menendez was denied parole during his first-ever parole hearing, 36 years after he and his brother killed their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.

“I imagine that Lyle and his team are discourage to see them give such an effort for this and still come up short,” said legal analyst Josh Ritter. “It’s probably a good indicator as how things may turn out.”

The parole found that Erik continues to pose an unreasonable risk to public safety, citing his pre-murder burglaries, the killing of his mother and his cellphone use violations behind bars.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman commended the board’s decision, calling it “justice for Jose and Kitty Menendez.”

After Thursday’s hearing, the Menendez family issued a statement saying that they respect the decision but called the outcome “disappointing and not what we hoped for.”

They family says they will continue to call for both Erik and Lyle’s release. Many are expected to speak again as Lyle makes his case before the parole board Friday.

A news conference is planned in Los Angeles once the hearing wraps up.

Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Microplastics found in brains, bloodstreams: ABC7 I-Team investigates plastic contamination, efforts to measure risks in Chicago

ABC7 I-Team Investigates: Microplastics Detected in Brains and Bloodstreams, Examining Contamination and Risk Assessment Efforts in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — A significant initiative has been launched to assess the…
Matthew Schaefer blowing past even ambitious Islanders expectations

Matthew Schaefer Exceeds Expectations with Stellar Performance for Islanders

Matthew Schaefer, with a humble demeanor, simply aimed to secure a spot…
January 6 pipe bombing suspect named five years after infamous plot

Five Years On: Suspect Identified in January 6 Pipe Bombing Plot

The FBI has apprehended a Virginia man, identified as Brian Cole, in…
Shooting at an Oklahoma State University residence hall wounds at least 3 people

California Activist Faces Jail Time for Bold Rescue of Perdue Chickens: A Closer Look at the Consequences

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (AP) — Zoe Rosenberg, a California activist for animal…
No video evidence backing Tara Reid’s claim she was drugged at Chicago bar: police

Chicago Police Find No Video Proof to Support Tara Reid’s Allegation of Being Drugged at Local Bar

The Rosemont police have announced that their investigation has yet to uncover…
Ghislaine Maxwell plans to ask judge to free her from prison, and she'll represent herself, lawyer says

Ghislaine Maxwell’s Bold Move: Plans to Self-Represent in Bid for Freedom

In a surprising legal maneuver, Ghislaine Maxwell, the former associate of Jeffrey…
$775 million Powerball: Winning numbers for Wednesday, Dec. 3

Unveiling the $775 Million Powerball Jackpot: Check Out December 3’s Winning Numbers Now!

The Powerball jackpot for Wednesday’s draw has soared into the ranks of…
DSA calls to infiltrate NYC government through community boards, PTAs -- as Hochul ends up on 'enemies' list

DSA Urges Strategic Infiltration of NYC Community Boards Amidst Hochul’s Inclusion on ‘Enemies List

The adage “Today the PTA, tomorrow the world” seems to be taking…