The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition — a family-led initiative advocating for Erik and Lyle Menendez’s release — issues statement ahead of parole hearings

LOS ANGELES, CA – Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition, a family-led initiative advocating for the release the Menendez Brothers, today issued a statement ahead of Erik and Lyle’s parole board hearings.

“As always, our family remains cautiously optimistic, grounding ourselves in the reality that California’s parole process is incredibly rigorous, with low grant rates. We respect that and know Erik and Lyle are prepared for that level of scrutiny.  

For more than 35 years, they have shown sustained growth. They’ve taken full accountability. They express sincere remorse to our family to this day and have built a meaningful life defined by purpose and service. Something that has really stayed with us, especially as we near the parole hearings, is what Judge Jesic said during resentencing: that while Erik and Lyle have a stellar record, it was the letters of support from individuals who had never spoken up for an incarcerated person before that impacted him most. It’s a reminder that no paper file can fully capture a person’s character. But we see it. Correctional staff see it. Now, we hope the parole commissioners will see the same. 

We know that Erik and Lyle will come home, that is no longer a doubt. We just hope that they are granted this second chance in time to hug their Aunt Joan and Aunt Terry.”