Erik Menendez, one of two brothers serving life sentences for the 1989 murders of their parents, Kitty and José Menendez, has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, his lawyer has announced. Menendez was transferred from a San Diego prison to an outside medical facility on Friday. While the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation stated he is in "fair condition," no further details on his illness have been released. This news comes weeks before Menendez and his brother Lyle's parole hearing, scheduled for August 21st.

The brothers, resentenced in May to 50 years to life, were previously ineligible for parole. However, a Los Angeles judge determined they did not pose an "unreasonable risk" if released, leading to their parole eligibility. Their lawyer, Mark Geragos, has called for Erik Menendez's release, citing his health concerns and advocating for a medical furlough before the hearing. The brothers, who have maintained claims of self-defense, were initially convicted in the 1990s after two trials.

Impact Statement: The revelation of Erik Menendez's medical condition may influence the outcome of the upcoming parole hearing.