Erik Menendez, the younger of the two Beverly Hills brothers who infamously gunned down their parents in 1989 after years of alleged sexual abuse, was denied parole at a highly anticipated hearing Thursday.

The decision dashed many supporters’ hopes that Erik, 54, might be home with his family in time for the holidays. It also dampened expectations ahead of the separate parole board hearing for Erik’s older brother and co-defendant, Lyle Menendez, 57, set for Friday.

Testifying remotely from his prison in San Diego, Erik said he deeply regretted murdering his parents , José and Kitty Menendez, in the den of their $4 million Mediterranean-style mansion 36 years ago. He recalled believing his own life was in danger, but he admitted the shooting was not in self-defense.

“Dad was going to

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