Nearly 35 years after the grisly murders that shocked America, the Menendez brothers remain behind bars. This week, hopes for their release were dashed yet again as California parole commissioners denied parole to both Lyle and Erik Menendez, following contentious hearings that exposed deep family wounds and ignited fierce debate over justice, privacy, and the evolving understanding of abuse.
On August 22, 2025, Erik Menendez, 54, appeared virtually from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego for a marathon 10-hour parole hearing. The following day, his older brother Lyle, 57, faced his own parole board. Both brothers have spent nearly 35 years incarcerated for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in the family’s Beverly Hills mansion—a case that became one of the most sensational parricide trials of the 20th century, as noted by KTLA.
The brothers were convicted in 1996 and originally sentenced to life without parole. But in May 2025, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic reduced their sentences to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole for the first time. This development was a beacon of hope for their supporters and family members who believe the brothers have changed and deserve a second chance.
Yet, the parole hearings quickly turned into a public spectacle. According to CNN, the proceedings were thrown into chaos when ABC7 unexpectedly released an audio recording of Erik’s hearing during Lyle’s session. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation later admitted the release was “erroneous,” but the damage was done. The recording, obtained via a public records request, featured Erik detailing years of sexual abuse by his father and explaining his fear-driven decision to kill both parents. He recounted buying firearms to protect himself and described the night of the murders, saying he believed his father was about to sexually assault him again.
"I was terrified," Erik said in the recording, according to CNN. "I thought if I ran, it would be a death sentence. I didn’t feel like I had any other choice." He also reflected on the profound impact of his father’s behavior, saying he was raised without "a moral foundation" because of his father’s actions and beliefs.
The audio leak infuriated the Menendez family and their supporters, many of whom had testified in support of parole. Lyle’s parole attorney, Heidi Rummel, objected strenuously to the media presence and the leak, arguing that it undermined the fairness and dignity of the process. "We came into these hearings hoping and expecting a fair and impartial hearing where Mr. Menendez could be heard, be considered and be understood," Rummel said, according to CNN. "And we have a public spectacle and this has exacerbated it twentyfold, and we now have family members who are not going to speak."
The emotional toll was visible. Kitty’s great-niece, Tamara Goodell-Lucero, was in the midst of describing the violence Lyle had suffered in prison because of his last name when news of the audio release broke. She recounted how Lyle told her he would "take back every second" of what he did the night of the murders. Kitty’s sister, Teresita Menendez Baralt, offered only a brief, tearful statement: "I want my nephew to hear how much I love him, and believe in him. I’m very proud of him and I want him to come home." Two other relatives declined to speak after learning their private words might be broadcast.
Rummel argued that the leak violated Marsy’s Law, a part of the California constitution designed to protect victims’ rights to justice and due process. "They desire the freedom to make statements that express their feelings, share their most intimate thoughts … without being concerned about media headlines," she said. Parole Commissioner Julie Garland acknowledged the concerns but maintained that the hearings were public proceedings and that transparency required some media access.
Despite the family’s objections and the uproar over privacy, the parole board pressed on. The commissioners focused heavily on the brothers’ prison records and the circumstances of the crime. Erik’s hearing zeroed in on his repeated violations in custody, including illegal cellphone use, tax fraud, and drug possession and dealing. Parole Commissioner Robert Barton told Erik, "Contrary to your supporters’ beliefs, you have not been a model prisoner," describing his behavior as "selfish" and "disturbing." Barton further stated, "The killing of your mother especially showed a lack of empathy and reason." He noted that Erik could have left home or gone to the police rather than committing murder, especially since he was already 18 at the time.
Prosecutors remained steadfast in their opposition. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who succeeded George Gascón in December, praised the board’s decision, saying it did "justice for Jose and Kitty Menendez, the victims of the brutal murders carried out by their sons on Aug. 20, 1989." Hochman has consistently argued that the brothers’ claims of self-defense are lies, and that they killed their parents for a multimillion-dollar inheritance. After the murders, the brothers went on a lavish spending spree, buying luxury cars, watches, trips abroad, and, in Lyle’s case, a New Jersey restaurant—a detail confirmed by KTLA.
Still, family members supporting the brothers expressed heartbreak and frustration. The Justice For Erik and Lyle Coalition released a statement hoping the board would see Lyle as "a man who has taken responsibility, transformed his life and is ready to come home." But the commissioners were unconvinced. Lyle’s hearing was equally tumultuous, with repeated breaks called to restore order after family members and supporters voiced their anger over the audio leak and the handling of the proceedings. Tiffani Lucero Pastor, another of Kitty’s great-nieces, confronted the commissioners: "Who has decided our rights as victims get thrown out the window? This is disgusting. This process is damaged and broken."
The parole board ultimately denied parole for both brothers. Erik can apply again in 2028, while Lyle may be eligible in three years or could be considered for an administrative review within 18 months. Both decisions are subject to internal review for up to 120 days, after which Governor Gavin Newsom has 30 days to affirm or reverse them if he chooses.
For now, the Menendez brothers remain in prison, their fates still uncertain. Their case continues to spark fierce debate over justice, accountability, and the rights of both victims and the accused—a drama as riveting and divisive today as it was decades ago.
