Like brother, Lyle Menendez denied parole, to remain in prison over parents’ murder

A United States judicial commission, on Friday , denied parole to Joseph Lyle Menendez, a day after his brother Erik was also ordered to stay in prison for the murder of their parents in a Beverly Hills mansion more than three decades ago.

‎Lyle, 57, appeared remotely from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. At his first parole hearing, commissioner Julie Garland praised his record in prison, citing his nonviolent conduct, leadership in programs, and strong support system outside. She also noted his plans for life after release.

‎Still, Garland said the board found “there are still signs” he could pose a public risk.

‎”You have been a model inmate in many ways who has demonstrated the potential for change,” she told him.

“But despite all those outward positives, we see … you still struggle with anti-social personality traits like deception, minimisation and rule-breaking that lie beneath that positive surface.”

‎The board also raised concerns about Lyle’s past illegal use of cellphones in prison.

‎”Citizens are expected to follow the rules whether or not there is some incentive to do so,” Garland said, adding that rule-breaking in custody is linked to misconduct outside.

‎Garland acknowledged the role of the brothers’ troubled upbringing, noting that Lyle was under 26 at the time of the murders and vulnerable to the “negative and dysfunctional” environment at home. But she pointed out his lies after the crime and said he showed “poor threat perception” about his father, Jose Menendez.

‎She encouraged him to remain hopeful and to “practice what you preach about who you are, who you want to be.”

‎Lyle will be eligible for parole again in three years, though an administrative review could bring that forward.

‎The Menendez family, who have supported the brothers’ release, said they were “disappointed,” but not “discouraged.” In a statement, relatives said: “The process for parole is exceptionally rigorous, but we are incredibly proud of how Erik and Lyle showed up — with honesty, accountability, and integrity. … 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.”

‎Erik, 54, was denied parole on Thursday. His commissioners cited his illegal cellphone use, past burglaries before the murders, and his role in the killing of his mother, Kitty Menendez. They also raised issues with his behavior in prison, including inappropriate interactions with visitors, drug smuggling, misuse of state computers, and violent incidents.

‎At his hearing, Erik repeated that he and Lyle acted after years of sexual abuse by their father and that his mother knew but did not intervene.

‎”When I was running into the den, I was in a state of terror, of panic, of rage,” he told the panel.

‎Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said afterwards, “The Board correctly determined that Erik Menendez’s actions speak louder than words.”

‎Both brothers will next be eligible for parole in three years. They can also request a review for errors or seek clemency from California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

‎The Menendez brothers were arrested in 1990 and initially sentenced to life without parole. At the time of the killings, Lyle was 21 and Erik 18. They have long maintained that they acted in self-defence after years of abuse.

‎In May, Judge Michael Jesic resentenced them to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole under youth offender laws. He cited their rehabilitation efforts in prison and strong support from staff, though he upheld their convictions. Both brothers admitted guilt and acknowledged lying about the case in the past.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

‎