SUFFIELD, Connecticut (Reuters) - A Connecticut parole board on Wednesday denied a request by Kennedy relative Michael Skakel for early release from prison for the 1975 murder of Martha Moxley.

It was the first parole hearing for Skakel, 52, who is serving a 20-year sentence for beating his neighbor to death with a golf club when they were both 15 years old.

Skakel, who maintains his innocence, was charged with the murder in 2000.

(Editing by Barbara Goldberg and Vicki Allen)