Erik Menendez parole denial is 'positive': Menendez's sponsor

(NewsNation) — Erik Menendez's sponsor believes the denial of parole for three years by a panel of two California commissioners, at which time he will be eligible again, is a good thing.

Rapper Anerae "X-Raided" Brown, who spent 18 years in prison with Erik and Lyle Menendez, joined "Banfield" on Thursday night to discuss the decision.

"Frankly, this is what I expected to occur," Brown told NewsNation. "I believed that we would see a three-year denial, and also think that it's a positive outcome."

Menendez’s family disagrees, releasing a statement saying they are disappointed in the board’s decision after the parole denial.

Brown, who was housed with Menendez, said he had spoken to him in the days leading up to the decision and noted he was "in good spirits."

"I can assure you that coming from life without the possibility of parole, to 50 years to life, to that three-year denial, which is the lowest possible denial that an inmate can receive in the state of California, that this is a victory," Brown said.

He believes all Menendez has to do to earn freedom is follow the rules for 18 months.

"As long as he stays out of trouble, Erik Menendez will be back before the board by February of 2027, barring some positive outcome with the habeas petition before that," Brown added.