Erik Menendez Slammed by Parole Board Commissioner While Being Denied Release

The commissioner for the California Board of Parole Hearings did not mince words while denying Erik Menendez his release from prison on Thursday, Aug. 21.

Commissioner Robert Barton reportedly told the youngest Menendez brother, 54, that the 1989 killing of their parents Jose and Kitty Menendez was “devoid of human compassion,” noting the particular brutality of the shotgun murders for which he was convicted alongside brother Lyle Menendez, now 57, according to local KTLA.

“The killing of your mother especially showed a lack of empathy and reason,” Barton told Erik. “I can’t put myself in your place. I don’t know that I’ve ever had rage to that level, ever.”

According to The New York Times, Barton cited Erik Menendez’s history of prison infractions — including drugs, a cellphone, and a tax fraud scheme — before telling him, “Contrary to your supporters’ beliefs, you have not been a model prisoner, and frankly we find that a little disturbing.”

The younger Menendez brother was denied his release a little more than 36 years after murdering his parents.

The Menendez brothers were initially sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors said at the time that the brothers killed Jose and Kitty for financial gain, while the brothers testified in court they had been sexually abused by their father.

But a new ruling in May opened the doors for the Menendez brothers’ possible release.

Erik and Lyle became eligible for parole after a Los Angeles judge reduced their sentences from life in prison without the possibility of parole to 50 years to life, granting them eligibility for parole under California law because they were younger than 26 when they committed their crimes, PEOPLE previously reported.

Lyle’s hearing takes place Friday, Aug. 22.

More than a dozen family members had voiced support for the brothers’ release this week, according to KTLA.

“While we respect the decision, today’s outcome was of course disappointing and not what we hoped for,” a spokesperson for the brothers said Thursday. “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.”