Erik Menendez Denied Parole | The Daily Caller

The California parole board rejected Erik Menendez’ request for parole Thursday, just over 36 years after he and his brother killed their parents, according to ABC News.

Menendez attended the hearing from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego and discovered he must wait three years before he’s eligible to bid for parole again, according to ABC News.

The board cited Menendez’ behavior in prison as “the primary reason for this denial” and noted their decision was also based on alleged burglaries he had participated in before the murders.

The board reportedly deliberated for nine hours before they made their decision.

“The killing of your mother especially showed a lack of empathy and reason,” Commissioner Robert Barton said, according to the outlet.

Mug shots of Erik Menendez in 2000 and 2002, following his arrest and conviction for the murder of his parents. Erik and his brother Lyle were convicted of killing their parents with shotguns in 1989. (Photo by Kypros/Getty Images)

“Contrary to your supporters’ beliefs, you have not been a model prisoner, and frankly, we find that a little disturbing,” Barton stated, according to the report.

Barton alleged that Erik Menendez behaved inappropriately with visitors in prison and noted drug smuggling, misuse of state computers and incidents of violence, ABC News reported.  The board also alleged that Erik Menendez illegally used cellphones while directing rehabilitative groups.

“We find that you continue to pose an unreasonable risk to public safety,” Barton said, according to ABC News.

Barton addressed Menendez directly.

“You have two options: one is to have a pity party … and then you become a self-fulfilling prophecy, probably not getting granted [parole] next time. Or you can take to heart what we discussed.”

“I hope that the people that are out there supporting you continue to motivate you,” Barton continued.

Erik Menendez (L) and his brother Lyle (R) listen during a pre-trial hearing, on December 29, 1992 in Los Angeles after the two pleaded innocent in the August 1989 shotgun deaths of their wealthy parents, Jose and Mary Louise Menendez of Beverly Hills, Calif. It took 40 months for the Superior Court arraignment after prosecutors and defense attorneys battled over the admissibility of taped confessions the brothers allegedly made to their psychotherapist. AFP PHOTO VINCE BUCCI (Photo by VINCE BUCCI / AFP) (Photo by VINCE BUCCI/AFP via Getty Images)

Menendez’ family continues to push for his release, ABC News reported.

They issued a statement after parole was denied, saying, “While we respect the decision, today’s outcome was of course disappointing and not what we hoped for. 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,” the statement continued, according to the outlet. (RELATED: New Judge Assigned To Menendez Brothers Case In Shocking Twist)

The parole hearing for 57-year-old Lyle Menendez is scheduled for Friday.