The relatives of Erik and Lyle Menendez have firmly disputed remarks made by the Los Angeles district attorney, suggesting that the brothers have not adequately acknowledged their role in the 1989 murder of their parents. They argue that any untruths spoken during the trial were consequences of trauma and fear. “Young individuals may fabricate stories when they are scared, feel threatened, or experience trauma. They lie when trust is uncertain. However, with time, they mature and take responsibility,” expressed Tamara Goodell, a cousin to the brothers, during a rally advocating for their release from prison.
This rally was initially intended to coincide with a resentencing hearing for the Menendez brothers, which could have rendered them eligible for parole after spending 35 years in prison. However, the hearing has been delayed to April following the decision of Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman to retract a previous resentencing motion filed by former district attorney George Gascón. Although a judge could proceed without the DA’s backing, legal experts indicate the brothers’ chances for a successful outcome have considerably lessened.
Back in the initial conviction, Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were 18 and 21 at the time, respectively, were found guilty of murdering their mother, Kitty Menendez, and their father, Jose, who was an entertainment executive. They received a life sentence without parole. However, recent years have seen a revival in their fight for freedom based on new evidence introduced by their legal team, alleging prior sexual abuse by their father. A large part of their extended family supports their efforts.
District Attorney Hochman has cited the brothers’ lack of “complete responsibility” for falsehoods during the trial as a reason for withdrawal of support. This includes their initial denial of the murder and subsequent self-defense claims. Hochman also questions the validity of the new evidence regarding sexual abuse. “They have been deceptive for the past 30 years,” Hochman stated at a news conference.
Anamaria Baralt, another cousin, insists that Erik and Lyle have acknowledged their misdeeds and genuinely taken responsibility. She further emphasizes that the family’s stance will remain unchanged, and she hopes the brothers maintain their position too. “We won’t let him rewrite history,” she commented in reference to Hochman.
The path to freedom for the Menendez brothers may involve clemency from California Governor Gavin Newsom or a habeas corpus petition for a retrial their attorneys submitted in May 2023. Hochman also opposes the habeas petition.
The Beverly Hills murder shocked the nation and was a precursor to the O.J. Simpson trial, inspiring numerous shows, books, and documentaries over the years. About 50 people rallied outside the criminal justice center with signs, chanting for second chances. The event received backing from criminal justice organizations such as the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and Latino Justice.
“We shouldn’t discard people,” noted Michael Mendoza from Latino Justice, who met Lyle Menendez previously. Mendoza highlighted the need not to give up on today’s youth. Several supporters traveled across the country to participate in the rally, motivated by TikTok personality Carrie Webster, who discusses contemporary events and justice topics. One story of particular interest was shared by Meghan Trimarchi from Oregon, who wore a Menendez brothers shirt for the event, expressing her belief in advocating for all sexual assault victims. Additionally, Patrick Burke from Sherman Oaks also attended, expressing his support for victims of abuse and drawing parallels to the Me Too movement.
