New pictures emerged of Erik Menendez smirking as he accepts a bachelor’s degree with top academic honors from behind bars.
The images were shared by his proud stepdaughter as the convicted killer awaits a crucial decision from the California parole board.
The parole board will determine whether he can walk free from prison after his life sentence without the possibility of parole was reduced in May.
Erik and his older brother Lyle were imprisoned for life after murdering their parents Kitty and Jose inside their swanky Beverly Hills home in 1989.
But following a years-long campaign for their case to be reviewed, a judge ultimately decided to reduce their sentences to 50 years to life, meaning they are now eligible for parole.
Erik’s stepdaughter Talia shared a carousel of new images on Wednesday boasting of his achievements behind bars as he anxiously awaits the life-changing news.
‘My dad graduated from UC Irvine (UCI) with his bachelor’s degree – summa cum laude,’ she wrote.
‘For those who don’t know, that means he graduated with the highest honors, recognizing top academic excellence.’
In the happy snaps, Erik, 54, beamed as he stood shoulder to shoulder with other graduates wearing a cap and gown.
New pictures have emerged of Erik Menendez (right) accepting a bachelor’s degree from behind bars with top academic honors
In another photo, Erik posed alongside about 30 others, many of whom made a sign with their hands
Erik and his older brother Lyle were imprisoned for life after murdering their parents Kitty and Jose inside their swanky Beverly Hills home in 1996
In another photo, Erik posed alongside about 30 others, many of whom made a sign with their hands.
‘Words can’t describe how proud I am of him,’ Talia said.
‘Watching him go after his goals with focus and dedication, no matter the timing or obstacles, has been one of the most inspiring things in my life.
‘This isn’t just a diploma, it’s proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Congratulations, to my father. I am so beyond proud of this man!’
Talia also praised the other graduates in the class in the celebratory post, signing off with a message to followers that it’s ‘never too late to make your dreams your reality.’
A total of 15 inmates from the prison were able to earn their bachelor’s degree as part of a special UCI ‘Lifted’ program, which gives inmates the opportunity to further their education from behind bars.
All 15 graduates majored in sociology, while 11 minored in English.
Last year was the inaugural year of the program, and Erik’s older brother Lyle Menendez took part.
His proud stepdaughter Talia shared a carousel of new images on Wednesday boasting of Erik’s achievements behind bars as he anxiously awaits the life-changing news
The brothers allege they snapped after suffering years of sexual abuse at the hands of their father, and were let down by their mother who turned a blind eye
Pictured: Erik Menendez receiving his bachelor’s degree while awaiting an update on his parole case
The brothers’ attorneys have long argued that their thirst for knowledge and pursuit of education during their time in prison proves they have spent the time wisely and bettered themselves.
The duo were 18 and 21 at the time they killed their parents.
Defense attorneys argued the brothers acted out of self-defense after years of sexual abuse by their father, while prosecutors said the brothers killed their parents for a multimillion-dollar inheritance.
In Los Angeles County Superior Court in May, Judge Michael Jesic gave the brothers a renewed sense of hope by reducing their sentences.
‘I’m not saying they should be released, it’s not for me to decide,’ Jesic said. ‘I do believe they’ve done enough in the past 35 years, that they should get that chance.’
The previous LA County District Attorney George Gascón had opened the door to possible freedom for the brothers last fall by asking a judge to reduce their sentences.
Gascón’s office said the case would’ve been handled differently today due to modern understandings of sexual abuse and trauma, and the brothers’ rehabilitation over three decades in prison.
A resentencing petition laid out by Gascón focuses on the brothers’ accomplishments and rehabilitation.
In the happy snaps, Erik, 54, beamed as he stood shoulder to shoulder with other graduates wearing a cap and gown
The Menendez brothers could soon walk free from jail after they murdered their parents, Kitty and Jose (pictured center) in 1989
Erik’s stepdaughter Talia (right) has supported him in court along with other family members
Since their conviction, the brothers have gotten an education, participated in self-help classes and started various support groups for their fellow inmates.
But current district attorney Nathan Hochman said after he was elected that he believes the brothers are not ready for resentencing because ‘they have not come clean’ about their crimes.
His office also has said it does not believe they were sexually abused.
‘Our position is not “no,” it’s not “never,” it’s “not yet,”‘ Hochman said. ‘They have not fully accepted responsibility for all their criminal conduct.’
On August 20, 1989, armed with two shotguns, the brothers shot both parents to death as they watched a movie at their Beverly Hills mansion.
Their trial prompted worldwide headlines. Prosecutors said their motive was greed, as they stood to inherit $14 million from their parents.
The brothers insisted they acted against a father who sexually abused them for years and a mother who turned a blind eye to the abuse.
The first trial ended with a hung jury. But at a second trial in 1996 – where the judge refused to allow any evidence about the brothers being molested by their father – they were convicted and sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole.
