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An California court official has turned down a bid for a new for the Menendez siblings, asserting that allegations of sexual abuse did not outweigh their planning and deliberation when they killed their mother and father over 35 years ago.

Recent Decision and Judicial Background

The Monday ruling by Los Angeles Superior Court Justice the presiding judge arrives just a short time after the siblings were denied parole and shuts another potential path to freedom for the pair, who have served almost 30 years behind bars.

Erik and Lyle Menendez were given life sentences in 1996 for killing their father, José Menendez, and mother, their mother, in their luxury mansion in 1989. They were young adults at the time.

While their lawyers contended the brothers acted in self-defense after years of mistreatment, the state claimed the pair murdered their parents for a multi-million fortune.

Parole Hearings and Court's Reasoning

The judge stated that recent proof that somewhat corroborates the abuse does not negate the fact that the brothers acted with premeditation and planning.

"The evidence alleged here is not so convincing that it would have created a reasonable doubt in the mind of at least one jury member," the court noted.

The brothers' attorney, a legal representative for the siblings, did not immediately comment on the ruling.

Recent Release Decisions

A board of two commissioners on August 22 denied the older brother parole for a three-year period after a daylong session. Commissioners observed that the older brother still displayed problematic behaviors like deception, downplaying, and rule-breaking.

Erik Menendez, who is incarcerated at the identical facility in Southern California, was similarly refused early release a day earlier, after commissioners determined that his misbehavior in prison made him a risk to society.

Brothers' Statements and Backing

During his hearing, Erik Menendez provided his most comprehensive account in years of how he was brought up and why he made the choices he did.

"I was not raised with a ethical grounding," he said. "I was raised to lie, to cheat, to steal in an abstract way."

In recent months, backing from celebrities and greater recognition of the siblings as victims of abuse has contributed to amass a large number of advocates who have called for their release.

The previous LA county prosecutor initially opened the door to potential freedom for the brothers by petitioning a judge to reduce their sentences.

Since their sentencing, the inmates have obtained an education, taken part in self-help classes, and started various support groups for fellow inmates.

Final Thoughts

The court's decision to ultimately reject the retrial petition came after months of opposition from present prosecutors.