Lyle Menendez, like his brother Erik, faced a parole denial on Friday after serving many years in prison for the 1989 murder of their parents. A parole board of two commissioners rejected Lyle’s parole bid for the next three years, resuming eligibility thereafter, adding another chapter to the enduring public interest in the case.
Back in 1996, the brothers received life sentences for the fatal shooting of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, at their Beverly Hills home nearly 36 years ago on August 20, 1989. Despite defense claims of self-defense due to alleged long-term abuse by their father, prosecutors contended that the motive behind the murders was the substantial inheritance the brothers stood to gain.
In a recent turn of events, a judge reduced their sentences in May, opening up the possibility of parole. These parole hearings represented the closest the Menendez brothers have come to potential release since their convictions almost three decades ago.
Erik Menendez, currently incarcerated at the same San Diego prison, had his parole denied a day earlier due to his misconduct behind bars, which was deemed a risk to public safety. Following this, Lyle Menendez recounted the harrowing abuse inflicted by his parents, breaking down in tears as he expressed remorse to the parole board.
During his closing statement, Lyle appeared protective of his younger brother, taking full responsibility for the murders and expressing profound regret for the pain caused to his family. He emphasized his remorse and apologized to all those affected, acknowledging the irreparable harm he had caused.
The state corrections department selected a single journalist to observe the parole hearing via video conference and relay the proceedings to the wider media audience.