Why Erik Menendez was denied parole as judge urges him not to have a 'pity party'

Here's the reason why Erik Menendez was denied parole as his brother, Lyle Menendez, will learn his fate later on Friday (August 22).

Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of first degree murder in 1996 when they were found guilty for the deaths of their parents, José and Kitty, at their family home in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.

The two were sentenced to life without possibility of parole, while a Netflix show delving into the crime was released last year.

Both brothers claimed during their trial that they'd experienced physical, emotional and sexual abuse, especially at the hands of their father, José, which they said lead them to commit the killings.

In May, a judge ruled that they could now be freed after evidence of a letter came to light which Erik had penned to his cousin in 1988, detailing the alleged abuse he was suffering at the hands of his father.

The brothers pictured in 1989 (Getty)

The note read: "I’ve been trying to avoid dad. It's still happening Andy but it's worse for me now. I never know when it's going to happen and its driving me crazy. Every night I stay up thinking he might come in."

An LA County Superior Court judge granted them a new sentence of 50 years to life and they became immediately eligible for parole.

However, Erik was denied parole on Thursday (August 21) by parole board commissioner Robert Barton after listening to testimony for more than 10 hours with a panel.

Ultimately, Barton came to the conclusion Erik wasn't ready to be freed so rejected the parole appeal, claiming Erik posed an 'unreasonable risk to public safety'.

"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," Barton told Erik at the hearing.

Erik and Lyle Menendez pictured at a pre-trial hearing in 1992 (VINCE BUCCI/AFP via Getty Images)

It's said that the board took issue with Erik's violations in prison and past criminal activity before killing his parents.

While behind bars, Erik has been involved in prison brawls, while also being found with contraband on several occasions, which have included a cell phone, art supplies and tobacco.

"Contrary to your supporters' beliefs, you have not been a model prisoner and frankly, we find that a little disturbing," Barton went on to say at the hearing.

And the board commissioner has urged Erik to 'take to heart what we discussed' instead of having 'a pity party'.