California officials denied Erik Menendez parole after a nearly ten-hour hearing. He has been incarcerated for decades for the 1989 murders of his parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez. The parole panel determined that he must wait three years before his next hearing.
The parole panel is required by state law to schedule another hearing within a specific timeframe. Menendez has the option to request a review of the case by the full parole board, focusing on potential factual errors that may have influenced the outcome.
The Menendez family expressed disappointment with the decision but maintained unwavering belief in Erik. They stated that they would continue to support him and hoped for his eventual return home.
Erik Menendez appeared virtually from prison to argue that he no longer posed a threat to public safety and had taken full responsibility for his crimes. The parole panel's task was to assess whether an inmate's release would pose an unreasonable risk to society.
The panel also allowed the Menendez family to provide statements, all of which supported his release. The parole board commissioner acknowledged the family's support but ultimately found Menendez unsuitable for parole based on legal standards. The commissioner emphasized the gravity of the hearing and the tragic nature of the case, noting the loss of four lives.
The primary reason cited for the parole denial was Menendez's behavior in prison. The commissioner stated that he had not been a model prisoner and that this was concerning. The commissioner listed several violations of prison policies, including inappropriate behavior with visitors, drug smuggling, misuse of computers, cell phone usage, and incidents of violence.
The panel also considered the brutal murders of Kitty and Jose Menendez. Over the years, Erik and his brother Lyle have claimed self-defense, citing years of alleged abuse. The Los Angeles County District Attorney has been a vocal opponent of their release, arguing that they have not fully accepted responsibility and have lied about the alleged abuse.
The commissioner expressed empathy for the brothers' claims of abuse but argued that they did not have to resort to killing their parents. He suggested alternative actions they could have taken. The commissioner ended the hearing by urging Menendez to continue relying on his support network.
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