Lyle Menendez appeared before a California parole board on Friday, August 22, only one day after his younger brother Erik was denied parole following a 10-hour-long hearing in front of a two-member panel. The Menendez brothers were convicted in 1996 for the murders of their parents in 1989. They have been on a long road to freedom and were given the opportunity for parole after they were resentenced in May of this year. After 36 years, they still have a few more years to go behind bars.

1989 Beverly Hills Murders

On August 20, 1989, Jose and Kitty Menendez were fatally shot in their Beverly Hills mansion. The brothers initially framed it as a break-in and attributed it to their father’s work as a wealthy entertainment executive. However, there was no evidence to support that, and almost a year later, the boys were arrested following Erik’s confession of the crime to his therapist during one of his regular sessions.

They alleged that physical, mental, and sexual abuse at the hands of their father drove them to murder their parents. A jury was not convinced and convicted them in 1996. They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Menendez Brothers’ Parole Hearings

A separate parole board conducted Lyle’s hearing, and after Erik’s denial, it left little hope. Legal analyst Royal Oakes referred to the outcome of Erik’s hearing as “grim news” since Lyle has always been viewed as the mastermind behind the murders. However, both have been cited for infractions while serving time in prison, including cellphone possession and drug use.

The panel overseeing Lyle’s hearing determined his fate using his disciplinary history, psychological assessments, and participation in rehabilitation programs. During his time in prison, he has earned two degrees and led an inmate government and support group for abuse survivors.

Most would consider his time in prison as productive, making him a perfect candidate for parole. However, officials are concerned that if the Menendez brothers are unable to follow simple rules in prison, such as possessing a cellphone, then they will not follow the rules on the outside.

The board also discussed details of the crime, much like they did in Erik’s hearing, and ran over the planning process and motive behind the murders. Since Erik was denied, he has to wait another three years for reconsideration. It was unlikely Lyle would have been approved. Still, if either of them were, then the decision would undergo further review before ending up on California Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for finalization. 

Youngest Menendez Brother Denied 

Erik Menendez appeared before two members of the California parole board on August 21, where commissioners cited his repeated rule violations. He allegedly possessed a cell phone, abused alcohol and drugs, was involved in gang activity, fights, and a tax scam. They deemed him an unreasonable risk to the public and decided he was not ready to be reintegrated into society or united with his wife and stepchildren. 

Both hearings are under strict guidelines, meaning there is limited access for the public and media to chime in, and no live feed is available. They are only allowed one journalist to observe the hearing remotely in a state office. Those receiving updates from the journalist are not allowed to publish details until an official decision is made. The hearings are being held via video conference from the R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, where the Menendez brothers are serving their sentences. 

What is Next

These hearings are a huge step in the right direction for the Menendez brothers. Their first victory was in May when they were resentenced, and even though they may not be released now, they have another chance in three years. The silver lining in their parole denials is that commissioners reportedly made their decision based on their actions behind bars and not the actual murders in 1989. So, if they straighten up and follow the rules, they are more likely to be released in three years.