Lyle and Erik Menendez have spent decades dreaming of freedom. The notorious killer duo have spent the last 35 years behind bars after being convicted of the murders of their wealthy parents in their Beverly Hills home. Since then, there’s been a long-running debate as to why: did they callously murder them for an inheritance, or were they driven to it by years of abuse?
Whatever the truth, they thought they could see some light at the end of the tunnel. In May, California judge Michael Jesic ruled that their sentences be reduced from life without the possibility of parole to 50 years to life. As the two committed their crime under the age of 26, that meant they’d be eligible for California’s “youthful offender law”.
All that stood in Erik Menendez’ way was the California Board of Parole, and now their verdict is in. And it’s a “no”. Yup, Erik is staying behind bars. The Menendez brothers’ spokesperson sounds downbeat:
“While we respect the decision, today’s outcome was of course disappointing and not what we hoped for. But our belief in Erik remains unwavering and we know he will take the Board’s recommendation in stride. His remorse, growth, and the positive impact he’s had on others speak for themselves. We will continue to stand by him and hold to the hope he is able to return home soon.”
Today will see Lyle Menendez go before the same board but, let’s face it, his brother being denied parole doesn’t exactly bode well for his chances. Even so, the brothers’ representatives are hopeful:
“Tomorrow, we turn our attention to Lyle’s hearing And while it is undoubtedly difficult, we remain cautiously optimistic and hopeful that the commissioner will see in Lyle what so many others have: a man who has taken responsibility, transformed his life, and is ready to come home.”
Nathan J. Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney, says the parole board made the right call and that this “does justice for Jose and Kitty Menendez, the victims of the brutal murders carried out by their sons on Aug. 20, 1989.”
Model inmates
By all accounts, the brothers have been model inmates. They’ve started programs in prison for other inmates dubbed “Menendez University”, which help others on the road to rehabilitation. At the May hearing, a judge heard emotional testimony from former inmate Anerae Brown, who wept as he said, “without Lyle and Erik I might still be sitting in there doing stupid things.”
The two have also led efforts to aid elderly and disabled inmates. Former judge Jonathan Colby reviewed their activities in prison and sang their praises, saying: “There’s not many prisoners I meet like Erik and Lyle that have such concern for the elderly.”
And, importantly, their family has forgiven them and is waiting to welcome them to freedom. Their cousin Anamaria Baralt testified on behalf of the Menendez family, saying: “We all, on both sides of the family, believe that 35 years is enough. They are universally forgiven by our family.”
All this doesn’t seem to be enough to convince the parole board that Erik Menendez should be walking the streets as a free man. We await news of Lyle’s verdict, but if denied, the pair will have to wait three more years before applying once again.
