The California Parole Board has denied parole for Erik Menendez, keeping him in prison for at least three more years.
Erik and his brother Lyle were convicted of murdering their parents in Beverly Hills in 1989. Both originally received life sentences, but in May 2025 they were resentenced to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole.
On August 21, Erik appeared virtually from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego for his parole hearing. The board reviewed his crimes and prison record before deciding he would not be released. His next chance for parole will come in 2028.
The decision sparked mixed public reactions. Some supported keeping Erik behind bars, while others argued he deserved a second chance. Among those speaking out was former Death Row Records founder Suge Knight, who is incarcerated at the same facility.
In an interview with TMZ, Knight defended Erik and criticized the parole board. He said the system sets inmates up to fail and noted that “nobody’s perfect.” Knight also suggested that Lyle Menendez, who faces his own parole hearing soon, may receive the same outcome.
