Eric Menendez, half of the infamous Menendez brothers, was denied parole after his first hearing, nearly 40 years after his parents’ murders shocked the country.
On Thursday, the California parole board rejected a bid for Menendez’s release following a nearly 10-hour hearing after he and his brother Lyle marked 36 years and a day after killing Jose and Kitty Menendez inside the Beverly Hills mansion. Eric, now 54, joined the session on video from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. He will not be eligible for parole again for three years.
Why the board said no
The Parole Board cited several reasons for the denial, including Menendez’s actions behind the bar, his previous robbery and the shooting of his mother, which Commissioner Robert Burton called particularly troublesome.
“The murder of your mother has shown a lack of empathy and reason in particular,” Burton told him. He added that Eric had other options at the time, including leaving the house and warning authorities.
While acknowledging the complexity of the sexual abuse case, Burton emphasized that Eric’s prison records are determinants, not just the original crime. The board has listed the history of fraudulent behavior with visitors, smuggling, misuse of state computers, illegal cell phone use, and even in operation of rehabilitation programs.
“You weren’t a model prisoner,” Burton said. “We’re going to get in the way.”
Eric’s defense
During the hearing, Menendez said that after learning that he was said to know that he was abused by his father, he felt that she had betrayed him, so he shot his mother. He said he was in a state of “fear, panic, anger” at the time of the murder.
Still, Burton urged him to take accountability rather than groaning in disappointment. “You can throw a sympathy party,” he said.
Family support runs deep
Despite his denial, Menendez’s relatives, many of whom spoke on his behalf, expressing unwavering support. His aunt, Terry Barato, is the 85-year-old sister of Jose Menendez, who is battling cancer, and testified that she forgives nephew.
“Eric carries himself with kindness, integrity and strength,” she said. “More than anything, I hope to live long enough to welcome him into the house.”
After the hearing, the family issued a statement recognising their disappointment but maintaining hope. “Our belief in Eric remains unshakable,” they said. “I speak for myself about his regrets, his growth and the positive impact he has had on others.”
Next: Lyle’s hearing
The spotlight will move to Eric’s brother Lyle Menendez, who is facing a parole hearing of his own on Friday. The brothers’ family said they were “cautiously optimistic” when Lyle’s rehabilitation was recognized.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman opposes the parole of either brother, claiming that they have not provided complete insight into their crimes and continue to present moderate risks to society.
As Burton summed it up, “Two things can be true. They can love and forgive you.
Source: Gayety – gayety.com
