Erik Menendez's bid for freedom has suffered a setback, after officials in the US state of California denied him parole over the killing of his parents more than three decades ago.

The younger of the two notorious Menendez brothers, who were both convicted in the 1989 shotgun murders of their wealthy mother and father in Beverly Hills, made his first plea on Thursday.

His brother, Lyle, is scheduled to appear for his own parole suitability hearing on Friday. Both brothers were made eligible for paroled release after they were resentenced by a judge in May.

Erik Menendez can try for parole again at another hearing in three years, the board ruled.

Board commissioner Robert Barton, who listened to testimony for more than 10 hours with a panel before denying Erik's parole, said he believed Erik was not yet ready for release.

"I believe in redemption, or I wouldn't be doing this job," he told Erik at the end of the marathon hearing. "But based on the legal standards, we find that you continue to pose an unreasonable risk to public safety."

The board took issue, specifically, with his violations in prison and past criminal activity before killing his parents.

"Contrary to your supporters' beliefs, you have not been a model prisoner and frankly, we find that a little disturbing," Barton said, bluntly telling him he now had "two options" for his future.

"One is to have a pity party," Barton told Erik. "Or you can take to heart what we discussed."

Erik's bid for freedom is not over. The parole denial is likely to shift focus to California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is separately considering a clemency request from the brothers.

Clemency could come in the form of a reduced sentence or even a pardon, but it would not overturn the brothers' convictions. Weighing in on such a high-profile and controversial case could be politically risky for Newsom, who is thought to be a potential candidate for the Democratic nominee for president.

As well as their requests for parole and clemency, the brothers have also asked for a new trial, due to additional evidence being discovered in the case.

A judge is mulling that request, but it is opposed by the Los Angeles district attorney's office.

During Thursday's hearing, a prosecutor from the Los Angeles district attorney's office argued against Erik's release, saying positive changes in his behaviour were only motivated by a chance at release. They argued he was "still an unreasonable risk to society" and that "he has no insight into his crimes".

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Definitely for the best, they're a threat to society, no point in releasing them.

This case is a complicated one. The abuse he endured growing up lead him to do what he did. It isn’t right but it’s hard to picture yourself in his position. He has spent decades in prison, including years away from his brother. You have cases like Gypsy Rose where although she did not directly murder her mum, had a key part and is now released. It does show that some people should get a second chance with the right help.