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An California judge has rejected a bid for a retrial for Erik and Lyle Menendez, asserting that claims of sexual abuse did not supersede their planning and deliberation when they murdered their mother and father over 35 years ago.

Recent Ruling and Judicial Background

The recent decision by LA Superior Court Justice the presiding judge arrives just a short time after the siblings were denied early release and closes another potential route to freedom for the two, who have been in almost 30 years behind bars.

The brothers were given life sentences in 1996 for fatally shooting their parent, their dad, and mom, Kitty Menendez, in their luxury mansion in 1989. They were young adults at the time.

Although their lawyers contended the brothers acted in self-defense after years of abuse, the state said the duo killed their parents for a multimillion-dollar fortune.

Early Release Proceedings and Judge's Rationale

The judge wrote that new proof that somewhat corroborates the abuse allegations does not negate the fact that the defendants acted with premeditation and deliberation.

"The evidence alleged here is not so compelling that it would have produced a reasonable doubt in the mind of at least one juror," the judge noted.

The brothers' attorney, a legal representative for the defendants, did not immediately respond on the decision.

Recent Release Outcomes

A panel of two commissioners on August 22 denied Lyle Menendez parole for three years after a daylong hearing. Commissioners observed that the older brother still displayed problematic personality traits like dishonesty, minimization, and rule-breaking.

Erik Menendez, who is held at the same prison in Southern California, was likewise denied parole a day before, after officials determined that his conduct in prison made him a risk to public safety.

Defendants' Statements and Backing

During his hearing, the younger sibling provided his most comprehensive account in years of how he was raised and why he made the choices he did.

"I didn't grow up with a ethical grounding," he stated. "I was taught to lie, to cheat, to steal figuratively."

In recent months, support from public figures and increased awareness of the brothers as survivors of abuse has contributed to amass a large number of supporters who have called for their freedom.

The former Los Angeles district attorney initially opened the way to potential release for the brothers by asking a court to reduce their sentences.

Since their conviction, the inmates have gotten an education, participated in rehabilitative programs, and established various support groups for other inmates.

Final Remarks

The court's decision to finally reject the new trial request followed a period of opposition from current legal authorities.