Family Pleads for Menendez Brothers’ Release
Multiple generations of the Menendez family gathered on Wednesday to advocate for the release of Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are serving life sentences for the 1989 killings of their parents in Beverly Hills. The family members argued that the brothers deserve freedom due to the “brutalization” and sexual abuse they allegedly endured from their father, Jose Menendez.
Abuse and the 1996 Sentencing
At a news conference in downtown Los Angeles, relatives emphasized that the brothers were “vilified” after the notorious crime, which drew national attention. They contended that the 1996 jurors were part of a society not ready to acknowledge that boys could be victims of sexual abuse. Joan Andersen VanderMolen, Kitty Menendez’s sister, admitted that the family had been unaware of the extent of the abuse, and described the brothers’ actions as a desperate attempt to survive their father’s cruelty.
“It became clear that their actions—while tragic—were the desperate response of two boys trying to survive the unspeakable cruelty of their father,” the 92-year-old said.
Growing Support and Legal Review
The public plea from around 30 relatives comes shortly after the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office announced it would review new evidence to determine if the brothers’ life sentences should be reconsidered. The brothers, Lyle and Erik, were 21 and 18 when they admitted to killing their parents. They claimed the killings were motivated by fear that their parents would kill them to prevent disclosure of the father’s long-term sexual abuse of Erik.
The Shift in Understanding of Abuse
Several family members argued that, with today’s understanding of sexual abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the brothers would not have been convicted of first-degree murder. Anamaria Baralt, a niece of Jose Menendez, stated, “If Lyle and Erik’s case were heard today, with the understanding we now have about abuse and PTSD, there is no doubt in my mind that their sentencing would have been very different.”
Disagreement Among Family Members
While many family members support the brothers’ release, not all agree. Kitty Menendez’s brother, Milton Andersen, believes that life without parole remains the appropriate sentence, citing no evidence of molestation and attributing the crime to greed. Andersen’s attorney, Kathy Cady, said, “He believes the motive was pure greed, because they had just learned they were going to be taken out of the will.”
New Evidence Under Review
The new evidence under review includes a letter from Erik Menendez that allegedly corroborates claims of his father’s sexual abuse. Additionally, former Menudo band member Roy Rossello recently came forward in the 2023 docuseries “Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed,” claiming that he was drugged and raped by Jose Menendez during the 1980s. This revelation is part of the evidence listed in a petition to review the Menendez brothers’ case.
Legal Path Forward
The district attorney’s office acknowledged that understanding of sexual violence has evolved since the brothers were first prosecuted, stating, “Today, our office acknowledges that sexual violence is a pervasive issue affecting countless individuals — of all gender identities — and we are committed to supporting all victims as they navigate the profound impacts of such trauma.” The office is currently reviewing the case’s evidence and a decision on resentencing is expected.
Netflix Series Brings New Attention
Interest in the Menendez brothers’ case has been reignited due to Netflix’s new true-crime drama, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.” The brothers’ attorney, Mark Geragos, expressed hope that the brothers could be released in time for Thanksgiving, in celebration of Joan Andersen VanderMolen’s upcoming 93rd birthday. “There’s nothing she’d like more than to have them home for Thanksgiving,” Geragos said.
The Fight for Freedom Continues
The case continues to divide family members and the public, but the Menendez brothers’ advocates maintain that they are no longer a threat to society. “They tried to protect themselves the only way they knew how,” said Brian A. Andersen Jr., a nephew of Kitty Menendez, adding, “Instead of being seen as victims, they were vilified.” A hearing on the case is scheduled for November 26, where the brothers’ future may be decided.
