Los Angeles, CA – Lyle Menendez has officially been denied parole, just one day after his younger brother Erik Menendez received a similar decision. The Menendez brothers, who have served more than three decades in prison for the infamous 1989 murders of their wealthy parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, were each denied release by separate panels of California’s parole board.
Parole Denied After 10-Hour Hearing
Lyle Menendez, now 57, appeared virtually from the R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. His parole hearing lasted over 10 hours and concluded with the board ruling that he still poses a public safety risk, despite his rehabilitation efforts and expressions of remorse.
“We find your remorse is genuine,” said Parole Commissioner Julie Garland. “But despite all those outward positives, we see you still struggle with anti-social personality traits like deception, minimization, and rule breaking.”
The board cited the brutal nature of the killings, Lyle’s history of poor decision-making, and repeated prison rule violations, including illicit mobile phone use, as reasons for denying parole.
Past Crimes Still Haunt the Menendez Brothers
In a case that captivated the nation in the 1990s, the Menendez brothers were convicted of shooting their parents at close range in their Beverly Hills mansion. The defense claimed the murders were in self-defense after years of sexual and emotional abuse by their father, which was allegedly ignored or enabled by their mother.
Prosecutors argued the killings were premeditated, motivated by greed. After the murders, the brothers spent over $700,000 of their inheritance on luxury items before being arrested.
Lyle, in particular, was noted during his parole hearing for initially lying to police, alleging that his parents were killed in a mob hit and enlisting others to cover up his involvement.
Prison Behavior Scrutinized
Lyle’s behavior behind bars came under serious scrutiny. Despite completing a college degree, mentoring inmates, and launching prison reform initiatives, commissioners questioned his continued illegal cell phone use, which he admitted to using as recently as March 2025.
“Incarcerated people who break rules are more likely to break rules in society,” Commissioner Garland emphasized.
Though Lyle has earned praise from prison staff and fellow inmates for being a “peacekeeper” and mentor, the panel concluded that his positive contributions did not outweigh ongoing concerns.
What’s Next for Lyle and Erik Menendez?
With both parole requests denied, the Menendez brothers must now wait three years before applying again—though that timeline could be reduced to 18 months with good behavior.
However, the legal battle isn’t over:
The brothers have filed a clemency request with California Governor Gavin Newsom.
They are also pursuing a new trial, citing recently uncovered evidence of childhood sexual abuse allegedly committed by their father.
Governor Newsom’s decision on clemency will likely attract national attention, especially given his rumored presidential ambitions. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office opposes a new trial.
Public and Family Support Grows on The Menendez brothers
Despite the board’s decision, a growing group of family members and supporters continues to advocate for the Menendez brothers’ release.
“While most people surrender to the crushing weight of prison life, Lyle rose above it,” said cousin Eileen Cano. “Delaying his release would serve no purpose. Lyle is not the man who went to prison 35 years ago.”
The Menendez case has remained a source of fascination, reignited in recent years by documentaries, podcasts, and social media movements portraying the brothers as potential victims of abuse rather than cold-blooded killers.
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