Erik Menendez was denied parole three months after his and brother Lyle Menendez‘s successful resentencing hearing. The court deemed Erik, 54, a moderate risk to the community if released from San Diego, California’s Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility. Meanwhile, supporters of the brothers — who have been incarcerated since 1996 for the murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez — were shocked about the results of Erik’s Thursday, August 21, hearing. After all, he’s obtained a college degree and participated in volunteer programs while serving his original life sentence. So, why was he denied parole?
Below, News47.us has gathered all the information we know about Erik’s failed parole hearing and the court’s decision.
Erik was denied parole because the parole board considers him a moderate risk to the community outside of prison, and they cited his prison violations.
According to Parole Commissioner Robert Barton, Erik has multiple prison violations that contributed to the board’s decision to reject him.
“Contrary to your supporters’ beliefs, you have not been a model prisoner, and frankly we find that a little disturbing,” Barton told Erik during the 10-hour hearing, for which Erik appeared via video call.
The following are some of Erik’s prison violations:
Barton pointed out during Erik’s hearing that he’s been involved in at least three fights or altercations while behind bars. One happened in November 1997 with a person Barton identified as “Mr. Brown” after Erik was transferred to the RDJ Correctional Facility.
