Photo Credit:Associated Press
Reality TV star, Kim Kardashian has been vocal about the release of the Menendez brothers – Lyle and Erik. Lyle and Erik Menendez were found guilty of first-degree murder in 1996 for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, after a second trial. The jury argued that the brothers were driven by hatred and desire for their father’s estate. They argued that the murder was also premeditated. Lyle and Erik are currently serving a life without parole sentence. According to Lyle and Erik, there father was sexually molesting them and their mother, Kitty Menendez was aware.
Currently, new evidence have emerged to show that the brothers were actually sexually assaulted by their father. A letter written in 1988 to his cousin Andy Cano details the alleged abuse by their father, Jose Menendez. In the letter, Erik says, “I’ve been trying to avoid dad. It’s still happening, Andy, but it’s worse for me now”. The brothers’ extended family have pleaded for their release. Some family members say that if the brothers’ case were heard today, their sentencing would be very different. Roy Rossello, a former member of the Latin pop group Menudo, alleged that Jose Menendez sexually abused him twice when he was a teenager in the 1980s.
Kim Kardashian expressed her support for the brothers by writing, “ The Menendez brothers’ were granted a second chance at life and they will wake up tomorrow finally eligible for a parole hearing. They could be released in as early as 6 months.” She also expressed her gratitude to George Gascon for revisiting the Menendez brothers’ case. She wrote, “Your commitment to truth and fairness is commendable.”
“Society’s understanding of child abuse had evolved and social media empowers us to question the system in place. This case highlights the importance of challenging decisions and seeking truth, even when guilt is not in question,” she continued.
Kim Kardashian concluded by saying, “Erik and Lyle are immediately eligible for parole now that their sentence has been reduced to 50 years to life. In 2015, a bill was passed in California allowing individuals sentenced to life in prison before the age of 25 to seek parole after serving 25 years. Since Erik and Lyle have been in prison for 35 years, they qualify as “youthful offenders” and are immediately eligible for parole.”
