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A state court official has rejected a request for a retrial for the Menendez siblings, stating that claims of sexual abuse did not supersede their premeditation and intent when they murdered their parents over 35 years ago.

Recent Decision and Legal Background

The Monday ruling by LA Superior Court Justice William C Ryan arrives just weeks after the brothers were refused parole and shuts another potential route to freedom for the pair, who have been in almost 30 years behind bars.

The brothers were sentenced in 1996 for fatally shooting their father, their dad, and mom, their mother, in their luxury home in 1989. They were 18 and 21 at the time.

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

Parole Hearings and Judge's Rationale

The judge stated that recent proof that somewhat supports the abuse claims the fact that the defendants acted with premeditation and deliberation.

"This new information is not so convincing that it would have produced a uncertainty in the mind of at least one jury member," the court wrote.

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

Latest Release Outcomes

A panel of two commissioners on August 22 rejected Lyle Menendez parole for three years after a daylong hearing. Commissioners observed that the defendant still exhibited anti-social behaviors like deception, downplaying, and violating regulations.

Erik Menendez, who is held at the identical prison in San Diego, was likewise denied parole a day before, after commissioners concluded that his conduct in prison made him a risk to society.

Brothers' Statements and Support

During his hearing, the younger sibling offered his most comprehensive description in years of how he was raised and why he made the decisions he did.

"I didn't grow up with a moral foundation," he said. "I was taught to lie, to cheat, to steal in an abstract way."

In recent months, backing from public figures and increased recognition of the brothers as survivors of mistreatment has helped gather a legion of supporters who have called for their release.

The former Los Angeles district attorney initially paved the way to possible release for the brothers by petitioning a judge to lessen their prison terms.

After their sentencing, the brothers have obtained an degree, taken part in self-help classes, and started various peer networks for other people in prison.

Final Remarks

The judge's decision to finally reject the retrial petition followed a period of opposition from current legal authorities.