Lyle Menendez has been denied parole by California authorities, the same outcome his brother Erik received earlier this week.
The California Board of Parole made its decision on Friday after hearing hours of testimony from Lyle, as well as statements from several family members supporting his release. The ruling means Lyle will not be eligible for parole again for three years, although his case could be reviewed earlier through an administrative process.
During the hearing, Lyle spoke openly about the sexual abuse he said he suffered from his father, Jose Menendez, between the ages of six and eight. He described living in “hyper vigilance” and said he took on the role of protector for his younger brother Erik, who he claimed was later abused as well.
Lyle also addressed his own actions, admitting guilt over purchasing the shotguns used in the 1989 killings of his parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. He said the weapons were initially bought for “safety” and expressed sorrow, particularly over his mother’s death, stating he “couldn’t imagine harming her in any way.”
The board’s decision follows its rejection of Erik Menendez’s parole request one day earlier, citing his involvement in burglaries before the murders. Lyle acknowledged joining his brother in one of the burglaries so Erik would not go alone.
In his closing statement, Lyle told commissioners: “I will never be able to make up for the harm and grief I caused everyone in my family. I am so sorry to everyone, and I will be forever sorry.”
The Menendez brothers were convicted in 1996 of murdering their parents at their Beverly Hills home in 1989. Originally sentenced to life without parole, their sentences were modified in May to 50 years to life with the possibility of parole.
Despite support from relatives who want them released, both brothers remain in prison and will have to wait before another chance at parole.
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