Erik Menendez's daughter issues plea for celebrity support after father was denied parole

On Thursday, the California parole board declined the release of Erik Menendez, a figure who has remained at the center of public fascination for more than three decades. As reported by The Guardian, the decision meant Erik Menendez would remain in custody at least another three years before becoming eligible to reapply. Erik Menendez and his brother Lyle were convicted in 1996 of killing their parents, Jose and Kitty, in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. At the time, Erik was 18 and Lyle 21.

Defense lawyers maintained the brothers acted out of fear and years of abuse, while prosecutors framed the crime as a calculated bid to inherit millions. During the day-long hearing, commissioners pressed Erik about the crime and his behavior behind bars. Commissioner Robert Barton stated the ruling was based largely on Menendez’s prison conduct rather than the murders themselves.

“Two things can be true. They can love and forgive you, and you can still be found unsuitable for parole,” he shared.

Following the rejection, Erik’s daughter, Talia Menendez, called on celebrities to back her father’s fight for freedom.

Erik Menendez stayed behind bars as daughter urged Hollywood to respond:

As reported by Us Weekly, Erik Menendez’s daughter, Talia Menendez, urged celebrities to speak up after her father was denied parole. Talia, who was adopted following Erik’s 1999 marriage to Tammi Menendez, reacted on Instagram with a series of pointed messages. In one story, she wrote,

“How is my dad a threat to society! A 3-year denial??? Hell is about to break loose!!!”

She went on to criticize public figures who had previously shown support for Erik and his brother Lyle but have remained silent following the latest decision.

“Where are the celebrities that were ‘advocating’ for them???? It’s been WAY TOO QUIET,” she shared.

Among the few who continued to check in with the family, Talia highlighted actor Cooper Koch, who portrayed Erik in Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.

“The only one that I can say has been checking in on my family is Cooper and we absolutely adore him,” she explained.

Her posts ended with a sharp rebuke directed at others who once sought access to the brothers.

“To the ones that went to the prison without any background checks to film their show but are staying quiet now. You despise [sic] me beyond measure Just say your views are down and keep it PUSHING,” she said.

Board ruled Erik Menendez not ready for release, pointed to prison conduct:

Erik Menendez was told he would have another chance at parole in three years, but California commissioners concluded he was not yet fit to reenter society. The decision followed a hearing that stretched over ten hours, during which board commissioner Robert Barton delivered a firm assessment of Menendez’s conduct.

"I believe in redemption, or I wouldn't be doing this job, but based on the legal standards, we find that you continue to pose an unreasonable risk to public safety." shared Barton.

The board cited Menendez’s disciplinary record in prison as well as criminal activity prior to the murders as reasons for the denial. Barton was candid in his remarks:

"Contrary to your supporters' beliefs, you have not been a model prisoner and frankly, we find that a little disturbing."

In closing, Barton left Erik with an important choice.

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"One is to have a pity party, or you can take to heart what we discussed."

The decision underscored the challenges facing the Menendez brothers as they continue serving their sentences. While Erik will be eligible to reapply for parole in three years, the board’s sharp criticism of his prison record suggested the path to release remains uncertain.

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