On August 21, the California Board of Parole denied Erik Menendez parole after an almost ten-hour hearing and ruled he will not be eligible again for three years. The board concluded he would pose an unreasonable risk to public safety based largely on in-prison misconduct rather than the original murders. Cited violations include repeated unauthorized use of cell phones, connection to an alleged prison-gang "tax scam" around 2013, and past physical altercations in 1997 and 2011. Commissioner Robert Barton characterized some behavior as selfish and said Erik has not been a model prisoner. Erik said consequential thinking began last year, and his family expressed respect for the decision while remaining supportive and hopeful as Lyle faces his own hearing.
The California Board of Parole argued that the 57-year-old would "pose an unreasonable risk to public safety" if he were released. Commissioner Robert Barton said the main reason for this decision was not the severity of his parents' murders but his misbehavior in prison. Barton described Erik's repeated unauthorized use of cell phones as "selfish" and a sign that he doesn't believe that rules apply to him. The parole board brought up other violations, including an alleged prison-gang "tax scam" that Erik was connected to around 2013 and past physical altercations with other inmates in 1997 and 2011.
"Contrary to your supporters' beliefs, you have not been a model prisoner," Barton said, per The Hollywood Reporter, "and frankly, we find that a little disturbing."
"But our belief in Erik remains unwavering and we know he will take the Board's recommendation in stride," the statement read. "His remorse, growth, and the positive impact he's had on others speak for themselves. We will continue to stand by him and hold to the hope he is able to return home soon."
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