Erik Menendez Returns to Prison After Kidney Stone Surgery Ahead of Parole Hearing
Erik Menendez returns to prison after undergoing surgery for kidney stones. His legal team requests medical furlough as he prepares for an upcoming parole hearing scheduled for August 21+22 2025 .
Erik Menendez one of the two brothers convicted in the infamous 1989 murder of their parents has returned to prison following hospitalization and multiple surgeries for kidney stones. With a parole hearing just weeks away his legal team is calling for a temporary medical furlough to support his recovery and legal preparation .
Hospitalization and Diagnosis
On July 18 2025 the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed that Menendez was transferred from Richard J Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego to an outside hospital for treatment of a serious medical condition .
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Subsequent reports revealed that Menendez was suffering from large kidney stones in both kidneys which were causing severe pain and complications. His attorney Mark Geragos publicly described the condition as critical and petitioned Governor Gavin Newsom for a medical furlough arguing that proper recovery and legal access were essential ahead of the parole process .
Surgical Treatment and Recovery
According to his stepdaughter Talia Menendez Erik underwent at least two surgeries to remove the kidney stones with a potential third procedure pending. She shared via social media that Erik remained in pain and nausea during recovery .
On August 2 2025 Talia confirmed via Instagram Stories that Menendez had been discharged from the hospital and was returned to prison where he is now resuming preparations for his upcoming parole hearing .
Legal Status and Upcoming Parole Hearing
In May 2025 a Los Angeles Superior Court resentenced Erik and his brother Lyle Menendez to 50 years to life making them eligible for parole under Californias youthful offender law. The law considers the developmental state of individuals who commit crimes before the age of 26 and opens the door for early release after serving a significant portion of their sentence .
Their parole hearing is scheduled for August 21+22 2025. Geragos is urging state officials to allow Erik temporary release to consult with his legal team especially given the medical setbacks and complexities in the case .
Case Background
On August 20 1989 Erik then 18 and Lyle 21 Menendez fatally shot their parents José and Kitty Menendez in their Beverly Hills home. During the high profile trials the brothers claimed they acted in self defense after enduring years of abuse a defense that polarized public opinion. Prosecutors however maintained that the motive was financial gain .
Originally sentenced to life without parole in the 1990s the Menendez brothers have now served more than three decades behind bars .
Health Legal Implications and What’s Next
Eriks recent medical emergency has brought new attention to the complexities of incarceration health care access and parole eligibility. His legal team continues to advocate for a medical furlough to ensure he receives the care and legal preparation needed for a fair parole evaluation .
As the August hearing approaches all eyes are on the California parole board and the governor’s office to see whether this decades old case may finally take a dramatic new turn .