[Justice. Photo Credit to Pixabay]

More than three decades following the murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, Lyle and Erik Menendez were denied parole for the first time.

Erik’s parole hearing was held on August 21st, 2025, followed by Lyle’s the next day. 

Both hearings were conducted virtually from Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego and lasted several hours.

At the time of the murders in 1989,  Lyle was 21, and Erik was 18.

On the night of August 20th, the brothers used a shotgun to kill their parents in their Beverly Hills home.

During the trials, the brothers asserted that they acted in self-defense, claiming years of sexual abuse and harassment at the hands of their father had provoked the killings. 

Despite a lengthy years-long legal process, both brothers were ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. 

In September of 2024, Netflix released a television series about the brothers titled “Monsters,” which reignited public controversies surrounding the case.

Supporters of the brothers expressed on social media that the title “Monster” unfairly casts them in a negative light, contending that their parents, not the brothers, were the true monsters of the family. 

One commenter on a TikTok post related to the show wrote, “Why did they name it ‘Monsters?’ They are nowhere close to monsters, their parents are.”

Additionally, many others voiced their belief that the brothers deserve justice and should be released from prison immediately. 

As one supporter stated, “...I disagree on how long they’ve been in jail. They should’ve been released a long time ago.” 

Despite the constant support online, the parole board cited clear reasons for denying both Lyle and Erik's release. 

The two brothers have not consistently maintained good behavior in prison and have repeatedly violated institutional rules.

For example, Erik Menendez has been cited with allegations of unauthorized cellphone use, possession of drugs, involvement with a prison gang, tax scam, and more. 

When asked by the panel of commissioners why he committed those violations, he responded by saying that “he had no hope of getting out then” and that “he prioritized protecting himself over following the rules.”

One commissioner, Barton, described Erik’s behavior selfish and noted that it reflected an attitude that the rules didn’t apply to him.

He told Erik, “Contrary to your supporters’ beliefs, you have not been a model prisoner, and frankly, we find that a little disturbing.” 

Likewise, Lyle has also exhibited traits of deception and rule-breaking, thus convincing the panel not to give both brothers parole release. 

Ultimately, after the rejection of both brothers’ parole, the board emphasized the significance of consistent good behavior and true accountability for prisoners' release. 

Despite concerns over their prison behavior, many supporters continue to defend Lyle and Erik Menendez, highlighting their alleged history of abuse and calling for them to be given a second chance.