Lyle Menendez denied parole in parents’ 1989 murder a day after brother Erik also rejected

Lyle Menendez Denied Parole Following Decades in Prison for Parents’ Murder

Lyle Menendez, one of the infamous Menendez brothers convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, was denied parole on Friday, mirroring the decision made for his brother Erik. The two brothers have been serving life sentences since their conviction in 1996 for the brutal killings of their father, Jose Menendez, and mother, Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion.

Despite their defense’s claims of self-defense due to years of alleged sexual abuse by their father, prosecutors argued that the brothers were motivated by greed, seeking to inherit a substantial fortune.

Earlier this year, a judge reduced their sentences, making them eligible for parole. The recent hearings marked the closest the Menendez brothers have come to potential freedom in nearly three decades.

While Erik Menendez was denied parole due to his behavior in prison, Lyle Menendez emotionally recounted the abuse he endured at the hands of his parents during his parole hearing. Expressing remorse and taking full responsibility for the murders, Lyle tearfully apologized to his family and expressed deep regret for the pain he caused.

Despite his emotional plea, the parole board decided to deny Lyle Menendez’s release for three more years, after which he will have another opportunity for parole.

The state corrections department selected a single reporter to observe the parole hearing via video conference and share the details with the media.