A Different Tone, But Same Outcome: Why Parole Was Denied for Lyle Menendez

Summary

Podcast Summary: "A Different Tone, But Same Outcome: Why Parole Was Denied for Lyle Menendez"

Podcast: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present, iHeartPodcasts
Episode Date: August 23, 2025

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Overview

In this episode, Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes unpack the recent parole denial for Lyle Menendez, just a day after his brother Eric’s was also denied. The hosts discuss why, despite seeming momentum and public sympathy, the board upheld the denial—examining new evidence, the brothers’ behavior behind bars, family support, and the parole process itself. They explore emotional testimony from Lyle and the distinctive tone taken by the parole board, and speculate on what options remain for the Menendez brothers.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Atmosphere Around the Parole Hearings

• Rising Expectations: Both hosts noted a sense of growing momentum that the Menendez brothers might finally be granted parole, especially after the LA District Attorney and others expressed sympathy, citing their young ages at the time of the crime and new evidence of familial abuse ([03:55]).
  • Amy Robach: “There was a consensus building… people seem to think that they had served their time for their crime, given the ages they were when they were committed, in addition to new evidence that came up…” ([03:55])
• Surprise at Denial: Despite this, both Amy and T.J. expressed surprise at the parole denials ([04:37]).

2. Parole Board’s Reasoning

• The board emphasized the Menendez brothers' conduct and character during incarceration, not solely the nature of their crime ([05:08]):
  • T.J. Holmes: “We’re not keeping you in prison because of what you did to your parents. It’s because of who you’ve been the past 30 years in prison.” ([05:08])
• Rule Violations: Both Eric and Lyle have histories of breaking prison rules—most notably, repeated and recent unauthorized cell phone use ([06:34], [14:28]).
  • The parole board challenged Lyle’s explanations for these violations, finding his justifications for privacy “unconvincing” ([07:00]).
  • T.J. Holmes: “Who would ever buy that? You just came up with an excuse. It’s our fault that you decided to break the rule.” ([07:26])

3. Details from Lyle’s Parole Hearing

• Lengthy Hearing: Lyle’s hearing lasted an unprecedented 11 hours, unusual compared to standard 2-3 hour sessions ([07:39]).
• Newly Eligible for Parole: This eligibility emerged only after recent resentencing based on the brothers’ ages at the time of crime ([06:09]).
• Parole Timeline: Lyle is eligible for a review in three years, with a possible administrative review in just one ([07:39]).

4. Emotional Testimony and Notable Moments

• Lyle’s New Claims: Lyle revealed, for the first time publicly and unequivocally, that both brothers were sexually abused by their mother, in addition to previous claims concerning their father ([09:39]).
  • Amy Robach: “He claimed at yesterday’s parole board hearing that he was and they were sexually abused by their mother. He said it happened at the age of 13…” ([09:39])
• Contrast With Eric’s Testimony: Unlike Lyle, Eric never mentioned maternal sexual abuse when asked about the motive for their mother’s murder ([11:01]).
• Specifics of Abuse: Lyle recounted his father’s abuse ending when he confided in a family member, after which he felt rejected and emotionally complex ([11:40]).

5. Parole Board’s Dilemma: Remorse & Manipulation

• Trust Issues: The board admitted Lyle appeared remorseful and took a more sympathetic tone than with Eric. However, their concern remained whether Lyle’s behavior constituted genuine change or manipulative compliance ([14:28], [15:23]).
  • Amy Robach: “There was also this acknowledgment that all could be a mask of deception. And they just weren’t sure who the real Lyle was.” ([14:36])
  • Commissioner’s Message:
    Amy Robach: “Don’t ever not have hope. This denial isn’t the end. …Don’t be somebody different behind closed doors.” ([15:12])
• Rule-Breaking Patterns: Lyle was described as displaying “characteristics of antisocial personality traits like deception, minimization and rule breaking that lie beneath that positive surface.” ([13:52])

6. Family Testimony and Support

• Overwhelming Family Support: Present family members have been “extraordinarily supportive,” actively advocating for the brothers’ release ([20:34], [21:22]).
  • T.J. Holmes: “This family that is speaking, their family members were murdered and they are pushing for the murderers to be let out of prison. Never ever have I seen that.” ([21:54])
• Only Dissenter Has Died: The only family member opposed to their release was their mother's brother, who has since passed away ([21:22]).
• Statement from the Family:
  • Amy Robach (reading): “We are incredibly proud of how Eric and Lyle showed up with honesty, accountability, and integrity. …We love them unconditionally and we’ll continue to stand by them on the journey ahead.” ([23:24])

7. The Role of the Governor and Legal Paths Forward

• Gavin Newsom’s Decision: Under California law, the Governor must ratify or reject the parole board’s recommendations. Newsom also has the power to grant clemency ([24:04]).
  • Hosts agreed this is politically unlikely since Newsom is believed to be running for president ([24:48]).
    • Amy Robach: “…If we want a president who’s tough on crime… do you really want that person to have let two double murderers out?” ([24:48])
• Potential for a New Trial: New evidence includes abuse claims corroborated by a member of Menudo and a letter from Lyle to his cousin. This could be basis for a new trial, though timing is unknown ([25:26]-[26:11]).
• Timeline: The Governor has 120 days to make his parole decision ([26:11]).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Actions speak louder than words. We’ve been told that our whole lives. And that’s what Lyle Menendez was told yesterday, right before he was denied parole, just like his brother the day before.” — T.J. Holmes ([02:47])
• “He said, my life has been defined by extreme violence. I wanted to be defined by something else. He said, I am so sorry to everyone and I will be forever sorry.” — Amy Robach recounting Lyle’s emotional apology ([20:01])
• “He had a dozen or so folks speaking there for him, family and friends, mostly family. … This family that is speaking, their family members were murdered and they are pushing for the murderers to be let out of prison.” — T.J. Holmes ([20:46], [21:54])
• “Don’t ever not have hope. This denial isn’t the end. But… don't be somebody different behind closed doors.” — Parole Board Commissioner to Lyle (paraphrased by Amy Robach, [15:12])
• “We believe you.” — Commissioner to Lyle Menendez regarding his remorse ([20:21])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Topic | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|--------------| | Public momentum and background | 03:55 | | Parole board’s logic and rule-breaking | 05:35-06:34 | | Lyle's cell phone violation & excuses | 06:34-07:34 | | Lengthy parole hearing details | 07:39 | | Lyle’s new claim of maternal sexual abuse | 09:39-11:01 | | Family response and testimony | 21:22-23:24 | | Governor’s possible intervention and politics | 24:04-24:48 | | New evidence supporting abuse claims | 25:26-26:02 |

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Tone & Style

The conversation is candid, analytical, and at times darkly humorous—reflective of both hosts’ TV news backgrounds. Both show genuine empathy for the complexities of the Menendez case while remaining skeptical of the brothers’ self-portrayals before the board and public.

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Closing Thoughts

The episode provides a thorough analysis of the Menendez parole hearings and their broader context—balancing legal process, family dynamics, and public perception. It leaves listeners with lingering questions about the justice system, the possibility of change, and the human capacity for forgiveness after tragedy. The case isn’t over, but for now, both Menendez brothers remain behind bars—though their story, as Amy and T.J. note, is “not by any stretch” finished. ([26:22])

Transcript

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No purchase necessary. Legends International void where prohibited by law 18 and over. Terms and conditions apply. Hey there, folks. It is Saturday, August 23, and actions speak louder than words. We've been told that our whole lives. And that's what Lyle Menendez was told yesterday, right before he was denied parole, just like his brother the day before. And with that, welcome to this episode of Amy and tj. Special guest today. Amy.

[A]

That's funny.

[C]

No, I'm kidding.

[A]

It was even funnier that you just called me Amy.

[C]

Well, then, Well, I had to go with the welcoming to Amy and tj, so I had to continue.

[A]

All right. You've never done that before. I'm just pointing out.

[C]

But it would see. Why are we doing this? Hey there, everybody. Well, good thing she's back, huh? But no, a lot of folks know Rose has been out the past few days on this podcast dropping off a kid at college in Boulder, but was very much robes while you were gone, keeping an eye on this story. And isn't it the case robes that you felt momentum was on their side, even for the past year? Plus, even.

[A]

Absolutely. I. With all of the different hurdles that they've been able to cross, so to speak, it felt like, yes, they. There was a consensus building and specifically the LA District attorney before the elections, people seem to think that they had served their time for their crime, given the ages they were when they were committed, in addition to new evidence that came up that showed a pattern of abuse by the Menendez brother's father. So there seemed to be reasons for, or at least an explanation, a motive that was understandable, at least for perhaps why they did what they did. And so, yes, I was surprised, I.

[C]

Was a little surprised that they were both denied.

[A]

Correct.

[C]

Okay. So I, I think to your point, we have been watching Momentum, public momentum documentaries, new affidavits, new information. You had a DA out there before he was kicked out. At least he was one leading the rallying cry, saying, yeah, so all of that. And then the parole hearing happened for Eric on Thursday. And when I heard that, I said, that makes perfect sense. When you hear a parole board say, yes, folks out there are considering a whole different set of circumstances that we have to consider as a parole board. When I hear the parole board say, we don't even we're not keeping you in prison because of what you did to your parents. It's because of who you've been the past 30 years in prison. And despite what your endorsers and some of your celebrity endorsers are saying, you two have not been model prisoners.

[A]

And you know what's interesting? In Lyle's parole board hearing yesterday, when they were talking to him about their decision, they talked about how they understood, at least there was an acknowledgement that perhaps part of the reason why they behaved the way they did, which was explained as entitled children basically behind bars, could have been because they had no hope of getting out. They had been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. It's only been in recent months that they've now been eligible. Or even a month. Right. How long has it been since they were.

[C]

It was in May.

[A]

They resentence because of the ages they were at the time the crime was committed that they were resentenced, which then made them eligible for parole. So they finally got even a glimmer of hope that they could get out actually through parole a few months ago. So they acknowledged, we see. That you perhaps felt like you had no incentive to behave well, but that doesn't matter because it's still reflective of who you are as a person and.

[C]

To that as well, on the cell phone usage. This has been going on a while, and they knew that this might come up, and they knew the DA Last year was trying to get them re sentenced. The Lyle's most recent cell phone violation was March of this year.

[A]

Right. And he had an explanation, unlike his brother Eric. He claims that because they do get privileges, they do get phone privileges, I think through a tablet.

[C]

But.

[A]

But obviously those conversations are monitored and documented. So it's. There's no privacy to them. And Lyle claims the reason why he needed a cell phone was because his conversations were being monitored. And then part of what he was saying was being leaked to tabloids. So he was using that as an excuse. Hey, your prison guards or whoever's monitoring these lines are actually betraying my privacy and selling what I say to the tabloids.

[C]

And who would ever buy that? Who is sitting there in your judgment? You just came up with an excuse. It's our fault that you decided to break the rule.

[A]

That probably doesn't sit well on the parole board. You should have just said, you're right. I'm sorry.

[C]

And so let's tell you exactly what did happen. Yes, folks, look, we thought Eric's was a long day. This one was even longer. An 11 hour. An 11 hour parole board hearing. These things folks will tell you, usually take two to three hours. And even before Eric's on Thursday, that was the prediction. It might be three hours. And again, we remind you, because of the rules out there, this is a parole board hearing. This isn't an open court hearing. There's no audio, there's no video. Only one pool reporter, and that pool reporter cannot disseminate information until the thing is over. So we sat with zero information for 11 hours waiting to hear what happened. So what happened? Yes, they ultimately denied parole, denied parole for him, but he is eligible for parole again in three years. But there is an administrative review that can take place in a year, which could result then in him getting another parole board hearing sooner than that. Three years could happen. Ultimately in 18 months. His brother Eric got the same deal as well. They're going to have these administrative reviews. So why robes? The question is, and many of their reasons were the same as Eric's for why they're telling him he can't get out of prison.

[A]

A lot of the testimony, I say testimony, but a lot of the questions directed at Lyle throughout the hearing were at the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father. They really went back, as they did with Eric, and dissected the crime itself, the why, and really trying to measure how sorry, truly sorry each brother was. Now with Lyle, he actually said something that Eric did not. And there were questions as to what, whether or not he learned or maybe he even practiced beforehand, because Eric got hung up when the parole board really went after him as to why he had to, or felt like he had to kill his mother. If the abuse they suffered was at the hands of his father, why then did the mother have to die? And Eric really didn't have a good answer.

[C]

No.

[A]

So Lyle came prepped, and look, he had made these accusations when he was being accused initially, but it was never corroborated. And I don't believe it actually ended up in trial. But he said this unequivocally. He stated it multiple times. He claimed at yesterday's parole board hearing that he was and they were sexually abused by their mother. He said it happened at the age of 13. And so he said he felt like he was consenting and he was embarrassed about it. And that's why he said he never told police about it initially because he felt like he was consenting because of his age.

[C]

He even. He's. I think that surprised some of the folks on the parole board. And he had an Entire psychological evaluation in review. The question is, well, why didn't you say this to somebody? Nobody asked. And this. It sounded like something now that I don't know. Why is this coming up now? Do you have an indication what exactly was the direct question that was asked that prompted him to give this information?

[A]

I don't know. But it seemed as though it came within the question of why did you kill your mother?

[C]

And this is. But he's been asked why for a long time. That's. I mean, that's. You've had 36 years to give this answer. And he gave it yesterday. Again, I don't know if I'm missing something. And this was hinted at or in the past, but this was a moment there, it seemed, in the parole board here.

[A]

And it was a distinctive moment from when his brother Eric was asked the same question. Eric made no mention of being sexually. Sexually abused. Now, Eric is younger than Lyle, so we don't know where Eric stands on this, but Lyle said they both were sexually abused. But he specifically talked about his age and. And got into specifics that no one had heard before.

[C]

And he spoke it. It was almost like he was sympathetic to his mother. And his answer, it sounded like he said she was a fear that she had in some way as well, and things he was trying to understand about her background and her upbringing that. So, yeah, this was all he got. Complex and a mess and a family mess and just a tragedy from start to finish.

[A]

It really. The darkness. And it just was really. And he talked. He got really specific about his father's abuse and saying it happened at a very young age. And he said that when it. It ended when he told or asked to sleep in his nieces or. Sorry, his sis was his cousin's room, his niece's room, some other. A female relative's room, because he said, my dad touches me. And so he told a relative. He said once he told a relative, it never happened again. But then he said he felt a loss, that his dad didn't love him as much or that somehow he wasn't his special son or his special boy that his father called him. So he felt rejected and all the complexities that come with that. So he really got into a lot of his psychological. The impact on him and what he was thinking at the time and how it affected him.

[C]

And I think a lot of people can be sympathetic to a certain degree about that. But what the parole board is having to deal with, really, is what rehabilitation and your past behavior and how likely we have to make a Decision to put you back out on the streets, to recommend if the governor is going to put you back out in the streets, you just have to take what kind of risk is this person. And they keep talking robes about your. If you cannot follow the rules in here, we have like zero faith in you doing it out in society.

[A]

And the examples they have leading up and in the days and weeks after their parents death was nothing but lies and spending like copious amounts of cash after their parents were brutally murdered by them knowing that they had been cut off earlier for whatever reason financially. So they were struggling financially. So there are all of these like, yes, this all sounds and could be true about this abuse, of course, but it doesn't excuse the way you behaved leading up to and certainly in the days and weeks after your parents death. And then all of the lies. Lyle was the one who like repeatedly lied to detectives and investigators. And so they said, if you have a history and a pattern of deceit, how can we trust you now, you.

[C]

Know, they have some pretty strong words for Lyle. Characteristics of antisocial personality traits like deception, minimization and rule breaking. That lie beneath that positive surface. I mean, they spoke of him like a guy like you're going and teaching a class and telling people how to be good citizens in here and then leave them and go back to your cell and continue a pattern of violating rules. Robe wasn't there a six year stretch? They said he had a cell phone.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

The whole like he was breaking rules. Not on a one off or this or that. He was a repeat violator of the rules.

[A]

Yes. And it's interesting because they did say that they found that his remorse was genuine. So they did give him that nod. And there was a different tone in how they talked to Lyle versus how they talked to Eric. It's almost like they wanted to believe him and they were encouraging him to be the person he appears to be. But there was also this acknowledgment that that all could be a mask of deception. And they just weren't sure who the real Lyle was. I mean, the parole commissioner specifically told him, don't ever not have hope. This denial isn't the end. But I thought it was interesting that she said this is a way for you to spend some time to demonstrate to practice what you preach, who you are and who you want to be. And notably she said, don't be somebody different behind closed doors.

[C]

See, I don't know. I mean, if he knows he has a possibility for review in a year, he is what knitting Christmas sweaters for all the staff right now.

[A]

Why wouldn't he?

[C]

He's the best. Obviously he's going to be on his best behavior. So how, if this is a guy that you're already saying has a history of deception and manipulation and isn't he just gonna go do what he has to do?

[A]

But oddly, it seemed as though they were telling him, hey, they were dangling a carrot. Just be good for a year, you'll be up for review and then you can get out in a year and a half. I thought that was interesting.

[C]

We just don't want this to be on us.

[A]

Kind of.

[C]

That's wild. But still, after all of this, he's been denied. His brother has been denied. But would you believe he still has a chance to get out of prison, even immediately? And the power to do that lies in one man in Sacramento.

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Welcome back, everyone, to this edition of Amy and TJ where we are talking about Lyle Menendez. His parole has been denied despite the parole board acknowledging they believed his remorse was genuine. We heard from Lyle directly yesterday with tears in his eyes, saying my life has been defined by extreme violence. I wanted to be defined by something else. He said, I am so sorry to everyone and I will be forever sorry. And the commissioner said, we believe you.

[C]

Did I see. As well. He spoke of he's the big brother like he.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

He led this and spoke of, I hadn't seen that anywhere before actually, that he almost felt bad as a big brother for letting down his little brother.

[A]

Yeah. And he talked about the violence that he saw his brother endure at the hands of both his mother and his father and felt very defensive in that regard for not being able to protect.

[C]

Him and the family again. I Think it was. He had a dozen or so folks speaking there for him, family and friends, mostly family. But they have been very supportive of both of these men. Now, I have been pushing for them to get out of prison. They put out a statement after Eric was denied saying they were hopeful for what was going to happen with Lyle. Obviously, it didn't go that way for Lyle. But they spoke again. Robes. And this is, for me, still extraordinary. This family that is speaking, their family members were murdered and they are pushing for the murderers to be let out of prison. Yes, I know they're family members as well, but this has just been extraordinary.

[A]

There was only one family member that I can think of who had publicly been against the brothers ever being released, and that was their mother, Kitty's brother. Well, he passed away earlier this year. So the only dissenter from the Menendez family has passed on. And so it appears that every living member of their families is in support of them coming home. And one of them, older and aging and cancer. Yeah. Has cancer. And said, I want to be able to spend time with my family before I pass.

[C]

You know, And I'm. I just remember this. I wish I could give him credit for the prosecutor. I spoke about this in a previous episode. I just. Someone who was a federal prosecutor said, in all of my days in this career, I have never been to a parole hearing where the family of the person murdered is pushing for the murderer to get out of prison. Said, never ever have I seen that. I know it's a family connection here, but it's still extraordinary to see how supportive they are and how much they're pushing.

[A]

It is. I mean, if you think about it, because people say, oh, yeah, well, they're family, too. But no, imagine.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

If your brother.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

If your sister was murdered by their children. That doesn't mean you necessarily are praising or supporting their children. You're probably pretty damn pissed at your niece or your nephew.

[C]

We see this all the time on all the True Crime Family.

[A]

Absolutely.

[C]

Absolutely. Parents and whatever. They will break down a relationship based on some ish like this, especially when.

[A]

You'Re talking cousins and aunts. Like, there's not. It's right. It's a little bit removed. And so, yes, if you took away another beloved family member. Yes. So it just shows that there's at least some understanding, it appears, from the family members as to why. Because if there wasn't a good answer for the why, I don't think there'd ever be this level of forgiveness or support. It's because they understand the why. And that's been a huge part of the push to have these brothers not exonerated, but at least allowed out based on the time they have served for their crime.

[C]

We are incredibly proud, is what the family says here in their statement. We are incredibly proud of how Eric and Lyle showed up with honesty, accountability, and integrity. We know they are good men who have done the work to rehabilitate and are remorseful. We love them unconditionally and we'll continue to stand by them on the journey ahead. That's man, that's. You want a family like that.

[A]

Yeah. And they said they're disappointed, but they're also not discouraged.

[C]

And they also know they have the options are dwindling, but they still have options because of how this thing works out there. Robes. It wasn't just the parole board. They can make a recommendation, but ultimately they are not the ones who would spring the from jail.

[A]

Yes, Gavin Newsome, the governor of California, actually has two different ways he could not approve. So, actually, in California, the state law says that the governor has to approve, basically ratify, so to speak, the parole board's decision, or he can disapprove it, he can throw it out, and he could set the brothers free, or he could give them parole, so to speak. So he could overturn the recommendations of this parole board. He could also, because the brothers have put in a bid for clemency, so the governor also has the ability to extend clemency to the brothers. However, most people point to the fact that it appears as if Newsom will be running for president.

[C]

Oh, I don't think that's.

[A]

And that might not bode well for him. It certainly could be used against him. If we want a president who's tough on crime, who's tough for us, for America, on national security, you really want to that person to have been someone who overturned or went against a parole board's recommendation and let two double murderers out. So a lot of people say because of his presidential aspirations, it's highly unlikely he's going to do either of those two things. So the other opportunity, with the other chance the brothers have of getting out, is a new trial.

[C]

And they have made that request is. I don't know the status of it. I don't know when they're going to hear about their convictions being reviewed.

[A]

But this is based on the new evidence. There is somebody out there who was with a boy band who.

[C]

Menudo.

[A]

Menudo, yes. Who said that they were abused by the Menendez brother's father. So that's some of the new evidence. And then there's this letter that Lyle wrote to his cousin before the murders happened about being sexually abused. So there is documentation about the abuse and given their ages. So that is part of the reason this new information, this new evidence that could be that is the determining factor as to whether or not they would get a new trial.

[C]

And that's the one. I just don't know the timeline on that one. As far as Gavin Newsom goes, I think what the parole board has decided, I think this part of it is done.

[A]

Yeah, there's 120 days. I think he has to make a decision on whether or not he approves it or disapproves it.

[C]

When are the Iowa caucuses Kidding. I'm kidding.

[A]

I knew you were kidding.

[C]

But yes, this has been a heck of a journey and it's not over. It is not by any stretch. So we appreciate you as always hanging with us and trusting us to give you updates about all that's going on. And robes. Good to have you back, dear lady.

[A]

Great to be back again. Thanks everyone for listening. We hope you have a great rest of your weekend.

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