Erik Menendez’s wife, Tammi Menendez, called his parole denial a “complete setup” and an “injustice.”
“Parole Commissioner Robert Barton had his mind made up to deny Erik parole from the start! This was a complete setup, and Erik never stood a chance! 😡 #Injustice,” Tammi shared in an X post on Thursday, August 21, shortly after Erik, 54, was denied parole during a hearing.
In a subsequent post, Tammi wrote, “Erik hasn’t had any infractions since 2011, apart from a cell phone possession,” referring to lead parole commissioner Robert Barton’s assertions Thursday that Erik has “not been a model prisoner.”
Us Weekly has reached out to California Board of Parole Hearings and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for comment.
During Thursday’s hearing, Barton cited various prison violations while Erik has been incarcerated, including inappropriate behavior with visitors, drug smuggling, misuse of state computers, violent episodes in 1997 and 2011 and cellphone possession, per NewsNation.
Erik and brother Lyle’s family reacted to Thursday’s decision in a prewritten statement obtained by NewsNation. “While we respect the decision, today’s outcome was of course disappointing and not what we hoped for,” the family said. “But our belief in Erik remains unwavering and we know he will take the Board’s recommendation in stride. 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.”
Lyle’s parole hearing is expected to take place on Friday, August 22. “Tomorrow, we turn our attention to Lyle’s hearing,” the brothers’ relatives said. “And while it is undoubtedly difficult, we remain cautiously optimistic and hopeful that the commissioner will see in Lyle what so many others have: a man who has taken responsibility, transformed his life, and is ready to come home.”
Erik and Lyle, 57, were convicted of first-degree murder in 1996 following the 1989 deaths of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, at their family home in Beverly Hills. The brothers admitted to killing their parents but claimed self-defense and alleged they had been abused by their father.
The brothers were resentenced in May following renewed interest in their case following the release of a Netflix drama and documentary about the murders. Their sentences were changed to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole.
However, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has called for Erik and Lyle to remain incarcerated.
“The Menendez brothers have never fully accepted responsibility for the horrific murders of their parents, instead continuing to promote a false narrative of self-defense that was rejected by the jury decades ago,” he said in a statement on Wednesday, August 20, ahead of the parole hearings. “We have consistently opposed their release because they have not demonstrated full insight into their crimes or shown that they have been fully rehabilitated, and therefore continue to pose a risk to society.”
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