Reality TV star and criminal justice reform advocate Kim Kardashian has called for the release of Erik and Lyle Menendez, two brothers serving life sentences for the murder of their parents in 1989. Kardashian’s plea comes as prosecutors in Los Angeles review new evidence that could potentially lead to a resentencing in the case.
In a personal essay, Kardashian criticized the media frenzy surrounding the brothers’ first trial, which was nationally televised, for undermining their chances of a fair trial. She argued that they were unfairly portrayed as “arrogant, rich kids from Beverly Hills” and that their claims of abuse were ridiculed in the public eye, notably in comedic skits on shows like Saturday Night Live. “There was no room for empathy, let alone sympathy,” Kardashian wrote, following her recent visit with the brothers during a prison talk near San Diego.
A Possible Legal Turning Point
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that his office is reviewing new evidence, including a letter written by Erik Menendez, which his attorneys argue supports claims that he was sexually abused by his father, José Menendez. While the Menendez brothers admitted to killing their parents, they maintained they acted in self-defense after enduring years of abuse.
Gascón emphasized that while there is no dispute that the brothers committed the murders, the focus of the review is whether the new evidence could justify resentencing. The brothers’ legal team believes that shifting societal views on sexual abuse, particularly towards male victims, could mean that they might not have been convicted of first-degree murder today.
Attorney Mark Geragos, who represents the brothers, noted that during their second trial, manslaughter was not presented as an option to the jury. If it had been, the outcome might have been different. “The brothers have served more than 30 years in prison. That is enough,” said attorney Cliff Gardner, another member of the defense team.
Support from the Menendez Family
Bryan Freedman, representing the Menendez family’s extended members, confirmed that the family fully supports the brothers’ release. The brothers’ aunt, Joan VanderMolen, has been particularly vocal in her wish for their freedom, believing that their sentences were too harsh for the circumstances.
The case has recently returned to the spotlight thanks to Netflix’s true-crime series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. In response, Erik Menendez criticized the series as a “dishonest portrayal” that relied on outdated beliefs about male sexual abuse.
A Shift in Attitudes Towards Abuse
In a recent statement, Gascón noted that discussions surrounding sexual abuse, especially involving male victims, would likely be handled with more sensitivity if the case were happening today. This cultural shift is central to the Menendez brothers’ new legal argument, as their attorneys claim that the original prosecution downplayed the abuse and focused instead on the brothers’ perceived greed.
Gascón’s office has overseen the resentencing of more than 300 individuals during his term, with a low recidivism rate. He emphasized that while no decisions have been made, the review is ongoing, with a hearing set for November 29.
Time for Change?
As the brothers’ attorneys and supporters, including Kardashian, continue their push for a reassessment, the Menendez brothers remain model prisoners. Lyle Menendez recently earned a sociology degree from UC Irvine, and both brothers continue to engage in educational programs, despite having believed for years they would never be released.
Geragos echoed the sentiment of many in the brothers’ camp, stating, “I think it’s time. The family thinks it’s time.”
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