Menendez brothers back in spotlight: Erik denied parole, Lyle attending hearing today
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Omar Haddad
- . August 22, 2025
- . Update: August 24, 2025 11:30 pm
Decades after their parents’ murders shocked the US, Erik and Lyle Menendez remain in the spotlight as parole hearings raise questions about justice, abuse and rehabilitation. Let us take a brief look at the situation.
More than three decades after their arrest for one of the most notorious murders in the history of the country, the Menendez brothers are once again in the public eye. Erik Menendez has been denied parole at a San Diego prison.
His brother is attending a separate hearing at the same prison today. In 1989, Erik and Lyle killed their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their California mansion. The trials became cultural phenomena – closely monitored by people across the US and beyond.
Erik Menendez to remain behind bars for some more time
During the trials, the defence claimed that sexual and emotional abuse had caused Erik Menendez and Lyle Menendez to kill their parents in self-defense. But the prosecution had a different opinion to share.
Prosecutors blamed greed, pointing to the family’s multi-million-dollar estate. Both men soon faced serious charges of first-degree murder and had to be sentenced to life in prison. It is expected that Erik is going to remain behind bars for at least three more years.
Erik’s long prison record got analysed on Thursday at the time of the parole hearing. Commissioners highlighted a number of issues, including drug use, contraband cellphones and tax-related problems.
