- Lyle Menendez was denied parole due to ongoing risk concerns and rule violations in prison.
- The parole board acknowledged his remorse but highlighted anti-social traits and the callous nature of the crimes.
- Family members overwhelmingly support the brothers’ release, citing rehabilitation and remorse.
- Next options include clemency from Gov. Newsom, a new trial petition, and future parole hearings.
After more than three decades in prison, Lyle Menendez has been denied parole for the brutal 1989 murders of his parents, José and Kitty Menendez. This decision, following a lengthy hearing, marks another setback in one of America’s most infamous criminal cases.
Despite demonstrating remorse and rehabilitation, the parole board cited ongoing concerns about risk to the public. Here’s what unfolded.

Parole Board Cites “Anti-Social Traits” and Rule-Breaking
The California parole board denied Lyle Menendez release after an 11-hour hearing, emphasizing his persistent “anti-social personality traits.” While acknowledging his genuine remorse and positive contributions in prison, officials expressed concern about his repeated rule violations, including illicit cellphone use.
These actions, they argued, indicate underlying deception and poor decision-making that could pose a public risk.
Parole Commissioner Julie Garland stated:
“We find your remorse is genuine… But despite all those outward positives, we see… you still struggle with anti-social personality traits like deception, minimization and rule breaking.”
This behavior included a recent guilty plea for a mobile phone violation in March 2024, which commissioners viewed as a sign of ongoing disregard for rules.
JUST IN: Lyle Menendez receives same decision as brother Erik, a 3-year parole denial following marathon hearing. @ABC7
(Photo: CA Dept. Of Corrections and Rehabilitation) pic.twitter.com/T6V8VyU79t
— Marc Cota-Robles (@abc7marccr) August 23, 2025
Brothers’ Claims of Abuse and Callous Nature of Killings
Lyle and his brother Erik have long claimed they killed their parents due to years of sexual and emotional abuse by their father, which their mother enabled. However, the parole board focused on the “callous” nature of the killings, particularly Kitty Menendez’s final moments. Lyle reloaded his shotgun before firing the fatal shot into her face as she crawled away.
Parole Commissioner Robert Barton told Erik during his hearing:
“I can’t put myself in your place… But that is still concerning, especially since it seems she was also a victim herself of the domestic violence.”
Prosecutors maintained the murders were financially motivated, pointing to the brothers’ lavish spending spree after the killings.
Family Support and Disappointment Over Parole Denial
Despite the denial, nearly all of the Menendez brothers’ relatives support their release. Family members spoke at both hearings, emphasizing the brothers’ rehabilitation and pledging to provide stability if paroled. They expressed disappointment but remain hopeful for future opportunities.
The Menendez family said in a statement:
“We know they are good men who have done the work to rehabilitate and are remorseful… We love them unconditionally and will continue to stand by them.”
Teresita Menendez-Baralt, José’s sister, added:
“I want to make clear that although I love my brother, I have fully forgiven Erik… Erik carries himself with kindness, integrity and strength.”
Next Steps: Clemency, New Trial, and Future Parole Bids
The brothers’ legal battles continue. They can seek parole again in three years, though administrative review could advance this to 18 months. Additionally, they have a pending clemency application with California Governor Gavin Newsom and are pursuing a new trial based on new evidence supporting their abuse claims.
L.A. District Attorney Nathan Hochman argued:
“When you look at him, Lyle has a long-documented history of lies made to avoid the consequences of his own actions.”
Their petition for a new trial includes an affidavit from a former Menudo member alleging abuse by José Menendez, which could reshape the case.
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Last Updated on August 25, 2025 by 247 News Around The World