Why did the parole board cite prison behaviour over crime severity?

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Parole Denial Based on In-Prison Conduct, Not Severity of Crime

Erik Menendez was denied parole primarily due to his conduct within prison, rather than the severity of the 1989 murders of his parents. Parole Commissioner Robert Barton explicitly stated that the crime's severity was not the main factor in the decision, emphasizing instead Menendez's behaviour during his 35 years of incarceration.
Violations of Prison Rules Cited

Commissioner Barton detailed several instances where Erik Menendez violated prison regulations. These infractions included smuggling drugs into the facility, possessing and using a cell phone, and engaging in violent incidents in both 1997 and 2011. These documented rule breaches were presented as evidence against his claim of rehabilitation.
Discrepancy with Supporters' Views Noted

Barton directly addressed the claims made by Menendez's supporters, stating, "Contrary to your supporters’ beliefs, you have not been a model prisoner and frankly we find that a little disturbing." This suggests a significant divergence between the perception of his rehabilitation by his family and friends and the assessment made by the parole board based on institutional records.
Unreasonable Risk to Public Safety Assessment

The California Board of Parole Hearings ultimately determined that Erik Menendez still presented "an unreasonable risk to public safety." This conclusion was a direct consequence of his prison record, which the board found did not demonstrate sufficient rehabilitation to warrant release into the community, irrespective of the time served or the nature of the original offense.

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Why did the parole board cite prison behaviour over crime severity?

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