Editor’s note: Whatever you do or don’t think about the controversial and complex case of the Menendez Brothers, a look at their recent bid for parole opens the door to an examination of how well or poorly our systems of prison discipline presently work. So read on!
Erik and Lyle Menendez came before the California Board of Parole in individual hearings on August 21 and 22, respectively, just slightly over four months ago.
Although the brothers faced two different parole boards, the outcomes were the same.
Both were denied a chance to go home under supervision — for now.
Once impossible altogether, because the brothers were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for killing their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, these hearings before California’s Board of Parole were scheduled after a ruling was handed down this past spring by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic, who reduced the brothers’ sentences from life, to 50 years to life, a reduction that immediately made the brothers eligible for what is known as discretionary release.
While not the only factor, a major factor in each of the decisions to deny the brothers parole were their disciplinary records inside prison.
Read more from Witness L.A. here!