The Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, were denied parole primarily due to their continued misconduct and rule violations during decades of incarceration. Key reasons for the parole denial include:
- Possession and use of unauthorized cellphones in prison, which is a serious violation as it can facilitate illegal activities such as ordering hits, trafficking drugs, and coordinating assaults. This indicated a disregard for prison rules and suggested involvement with prison gangs or contraband networks.
- Other prison infractions such as involvement in violent altercations, drug use, misuse of prison computers, and participation in a tax-fraud scheme connected to gang activities.
- The parole boards expressed concerns about their potential risk to public safety, citing ongoing antisocial behavior traits, including deception, minimization of their actions, and breaking rules.
- Commissioners noted that Erik Menendez, in particular, had not been a "model prisoner" and showed self-centered behavior such as repeated unauthorized cellphone use.
- While the brutality of the original crimes was noted, the main factor for denying parole was the brothers' behavior and lack of self-control while imprisoned.
- Despite these denials, the brothers received three-year parole denials but may be eligible for earlier review depending on good behavior.
In summary, the Menendez brothers were denied parole not due mainly to the nature of their original crimes but because their prison conduct demonstrated ongoing risks and failure to adhere to rules, undermining the possibility of their safe reintegration into society.