Erik Menendez will remain in jail for the time being.
36 years and one day after he and his brother Lyle killed their parents, Erik participated in a 10-hour parole hearing to determine if he “would pose an unreasonable risk to society if released,” according to ABC.
Commissioner Robert Barton noted that the crime “showed a lack of empathy and reason,” but the board ultimately decided to deny parole for a different reason.
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“Contrary to your supporters’ beliefs, you have not been a model prisoner, and frankly, we find that a little disturbing,” Barton said during the hearing.
Barton said that Erik‘s behavior in prison is the “primary reason for this denial.” Among the issues that were noted were Erik‘s alleged “inappropriate behavior with visitors, drug smuggling, misuse of state computers and violence incidents,” plus that he was “illegally using cellphones while leading rehabilitative groups.”
The board ultimately believes that Erik poses a risk to public safety if he’s released from prison. He’ll have another parole hearing in three years.
“You have two options: one is to have a pity party … and then you become a self-fulfilling prophecy, probably not getting granted [parole] next time. Or you can take to heart what we discussed. I hope that the people that are out there supporting you continue to motivate you,” Barton said.
Lyle‘s parole hearing is on Friday.
Erik‘s relatives said in a statement: “While we respect the decision, today’s outcome was of course disappointing and not what we hoped for. 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. Tomorrow, we turn our attention to Lyle’s hearing. 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.”
An Emmy-nominated actor has been very vocal about getting the brothers released from prison.