Menendez brothers’ case: Erik denied parole by California panel, Lyle awaits hearing

Erik made his case to two parole commissioners, offering a detailed account of the years he was raised, why he made the choices he did, and how prison transformed him. Defense attorneys argued the killings were the result of years of sexual abuse by their father while prosecutors maintained the motive was financial gain from a multimillion-dollar inheritance.

‘Now, the consequences matter’

Appearing by video from the San Diego prison, 53-year-old Erik acknowledged the gravity of the crime. Commissioners pressed him on alleged misconduct behind bars, including cellphone use, drug possession, and alleged gang ties.

Erik told commissioners that since he had no hope of ever getting out, he prioritised protecting himself over following the rules. Last fall, LA prosecutors asked a judge to resentence him and his brother, opening the door to parole. “Now the consequences matter, now the consequences meant I was destroying my life,” he said.

Family voices support

More than a dozen relatives testified in support of his release. His aunt, Teresita Menendez-Baralt, who has stage 4 cancer, said she had forgiven him and wants to welcome him into her home. “Erik carries himself with kindness, integrity and strength that comes from patience and grace,” she said. Despite those appeals, the parole board declined to grant Erik’s release.

— With AP inputs