On the evening of August 20, 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez murdered their parents Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion. They argued the guns were fired out of self-defense after years of sexual abuse executed by their father throughout their childhood. After two mistrials, the brothers were found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

However, their case recently gained new engagement and received awareness after the 2024 sensational Netflix series, Monsters was released. After spending nearly three decades in prison, Los Angeles judge Michael Jesic re-sentenced the Menendez brothers to 50 years to life in prison in May 2025, with the possibility of parole and a chance to start their lives over again, as they deserve.

And so, on Thursday August 21, 2025, Erik Menendez attended the virtual parole hearing from Richard J. Donovan, Correctional Facility in San Diego. Parole Commissioner Robert Barton believes in giving people a second chance, “but based on the legal standards, we find that you continue to pose an unreasonable risk to public safety.” I personally believe this decision is wrong and unfair to Erik. After so many years spent in prison, denying him parole seems unreasonable and unjust.

Barton even claims the crime Erik committed was not a primary reason for the denial. Still, it was his behavior in prison, that is another statement I find unfair. Erik has shown great remorse and growth over the decades, and using his behavior as an excuse to keep him behind bars is ridiculous.

Erik’s aunt Teresita Menendez-Baralt spoke for the panel, and was in tears when she confirmed she had fully forgiven Erik for killing her brother and the years of trauma he caused their family. “I hope I live long enough to welcome him into my home, to sit at the same table, to wrap my arms around him—that would bring me immeasurable peace and joy.” This goes to show how even Erik’s family has forgiven him for the crime that took place almost 35 years ago, Barton acknowledged the support and told Erik, “they can love and forgive you and you still can be found unsuitable for parole.”

The following day on August 22, 2025, Lyle Menendez appeared virtually for his hearing. Lyle was asked multiple questions about the killings of his parents and if he had regretted what he did. “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.”

Both of the brothers have had multiple achievements throughout their time in prison, which makes it harder for me to understand how the parole was denied. Lyle graduated from the University of California, with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and even earned an associate degree in the same subject. On top of that, he is also currently enrolled in a master’s program where he studies urban planning. Erik and Lyle have even created self-help groups and programs in their facilities.

These accomplishments show how he is working to better himself and make prison a positive place, even though he is locked up. It feels wrong that the system refused to acknowledge both of the brothers’ growth. Erik, for example, was also accepted into UC Irvine in the fall of 2023 and has earned an associate degree in Sociology and Social and Behavioral Science. The parole board overlooks both of their growth and continues to focus on the brother’s past mistakes, like no progress has been made or matters at all.

The Business Journal dives deeper into the brothers’ disciplinary records, stating how Lyle had never gotten into a fight in the 30 years he had been in prison. It also states, “Both brothers have the lowest possible risk assessment, and raw security risk scores for inmates serving a life sentence, according to the resentencing petition.” This is yet another reason why these brothers should finally be allowed out of prison once and for all.

Their cousin, Tamara Goodall, also speaks up about what the brothers are doing in prison, saying, “they’ve taken a really horrible situation, and while they are still in prison, they took that deck of hardships and made it a winning hand for themselves.” This is yet another example of how they have made a difference in themselves whilst in prison.

Despite all of their great progress that goes unseen, they both got denied parole. Julie Garland, parole commissioner for Lyle, said that she found his regret to be genuine, “but despite all those outward positives, we see… You still struggle with anti-social personality traits like deception, minimization, and rule-breaking that lie beneath that positive surface.” It’s hard not to be frustrated reading statements made like this, since it seems the board is choosing to focus on minor flaws rather than the personal growth the brothers have shown.

Lyle’s cousin, Eileen Cano, who also spoke at both hearings, told the board “while most people surrender to the crushing weight of prison life, Lyle rose above it.” She also further states how “delaying his release would serve no purpose. Lyle is not the man who went to prison 35 years ago.”

The system of justice can be so twisted and unfair in cases such as these at times. Even people who were very much involved in the case, such as Leslie Abramson, lead defense attorney for Erik Menendez during their trial, saw how unjust our system can be at times. She made a great point during their first trial, stating: “If my client’s name were Erika instead of Erik, would you have an easier time believing his story?”

Most people believe boys don’t endure sexual abuse, or only women do. When these cases come up, we need to give them more justice and trust what the victims are saying, and give them the justice they deserve. Abuse is not something that should be sugar-coated in the courtroom.

This denial raises the most important question of their case: what comes next for the Menendez Brothers? While the parole decision is a setback to freedom, it is at least a relief to know their path to freedom is not over yet. After three more years, they will be allowed to do a second parole hearing, which can be shortened to about 18 months with good behavior in prison. Although it is not a win, there is still hope they will be able to walk free soon, as they deserve.