“Lyle Menendez Denied Parole After 35 Years in Prison for Parents’ Shotgun Murders

Lyle Menendez appeared before the California Board of Parole on August 22, 2025, seeking release after serving 36 years in prison for the 1989 murders of his parents alongside his brother Erik Menendez. This hearing came one day after Erik’s parole denial. Both brothers were resentenced in May 2025 to 50 years to life with the possibility of parole under California’s youthful offender law.

During the hearing, Lyle emotionally recounted past abuse by his parents and accepted responsibility for the killings, expressing deep remorse. The parole board examined his rehabilitation, disciplinary record, psychological assessments, and inconsistent accounts related to his father’s alleged abuse. Despite some progress in prison, the board determined that Lyle still poses a risk to public safety, emphasizing the violent nature of the crime and concerns about the manner in which his mother was killed.

he board thus denied Lyle Menendez parole for three years. He will become eligible to apply again after that period. The parole decision will also undergo final review by California Governor Gavin Newsom before any potential release.

The hearing highlighted ongoing debates surrounding justice, rehabilitation, and the brothers’ claims of self-defense due to alleged abuse. While many family members voiced support and emphasized their remorse, prosecutors and the parole board remain concerned about public safety risks.