By Lisa Richwine
LOS ANGELES () - Erik Menendez, who together with his brother Lyle has spent 35 years in prison for a life sentence after killing their parents while they were watching TV in their Beverly Hills, California, home in 1989, was turned down for parole on Thursday.
The choice made by California's parole board was revealed following a 10-hour hearing where Erik Menendez, participating through video from a San Diego correctional facility, claimed he had reformed and that his release would aid in reconciling his family. Some family members supported his freedom.
Members of the California Board of Parole Hearings, however, determined that Erik Menendez still presented "an unreasonable risk to public safety," stated Parole Commissioner Robert Barton, according to a media pool report.
The gravity of the offense was "not the main factor in this denial," Barton stated. "It's still your conduct while in prison."
Barton highlighted breaches of prison regulations such as the smuggling of drugs, use of mobile phones, and instances of violence that occurred in 1997 and 2011.
"Unlike what your supporters think, you have not been a exemplary inmate, and quite honestly, we find that somewhat concerning," Barton stated.
The board will decide whether to suggest parole for Lyle Menendez on Friday. Erik Menendez will be eligible to apply for parole once more in three years.
The siblings claimed they killed their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, due to a fear for their safety following years of sexual abuse from their father and emotional mistreatment by their mother. Erik Menendez was 18 years old, while Lyle Menendez was 21 when the incident occurred.
"My father was the scariest person I've ever encountered," Erik Menendez stated on Thursday when questioned about why he didn't leave the house instead of committing murder.
"Looking back at who I was and the beliefs I had about the world and my parents, the idea of running away seemed impossible," he said.
Prosecutors claimed the murders were premeditated and driven by financial gain, specifically the brothers' wish to inherit their parents' substantial multi-million dollar estate.
The siblings have remained in detention since March 1990 and were initially given two consecutive life sentences in 1996, with no chance of parole.
In May, a judge imposed a new sentence of 50 years to life on each individual. According to California regulations, the two became eligible for parole right away since they were younger than 26 when the offenses were committed and had already completed more than half of their prison term.
Family members have advocated for the brothers' release, claiming the two have fulfilled their obligation to society. Erik Menendez is currently 54 years old, while Lyle Menendez is 57. Both are married.
Teresita Menendez-Baralt, the sibling of Jose Menendez, shed tears while informing the parole board that she had "completely forgiven" Erik Menendez, whom she described as a "kind and gentle person."
Menendez-Baralt stated that she was battling stage 4 cancer and "above all, I hope I live long enough to welcome him into my home."
"To be seated at the same table, to wrap my arms around him — that would give me infinite peace and happiness," she said.
(Produced by Jasper Ward; Edited by Michael Perry)