The Menendez brothers' family demands a review of the sentence: details
25 october 2024 в 01:50
As the upcoming court hearing of Erik Menendez and Lyle Menendez approaches, their relatives held a press conference, calling for a possible review of the verdict. On Wednesday, October 16, several relatives spoke out in support of the brothers, including their sister Kitty Menendez, Joan Anderson VanderMolen. Lyle and Erik fatally wounded Kitty and Jose in August 1989, but their family has supported them since their trials in the 1990s.
At a recent press conference, the family announced the launch of a coalition and website called «Justice for Lyle and Erik». The event took place just hours after the Los Angeles prosecutor released a letter from Erik, written by his late cousin Andy Cano in 1989, in which Erik informed his cousin of violence from his father.
Find out what Los Angeles prosecutor George Gascon and the Menendez brothers' family said at the press conference below.
Los Angeles prosecutor George Gascon spoke at a press conference on Thursday, October 24, 2024, stating that a «review of the verdict is appropriate» and that the question of the possibility of parole should be considered immediately if the judge approves his recommendation. «I believe they have served their debt to society», - he added.
Speaking to reporters, Joan called the murder of Lyle and Erik’s late parents «tragic», - but emphasized that the brothers committed the crime as a result of the «cruelty» of their father.
«Their actions, while tragic, were a desperate response from two boys trying to survive in the unspeakable cruelty of their father», - said Kitty’s sister, according to Daily Mail. «The truth is that Lyle and Erik were betrayed by those who were supposed to protect them — their parents, the system, and society as a whole».
Brian Andersen Jr., one of Kitty’s nephews, said he had «known Erik and Lyle [his] whole life», - according to the publication.
«I have known Erik and Lyle my whole life. I can tell you without a doubt that they are not the villains they have been portrayed as», - Brian said. «They were boys, young, scared, and subjected to violence from their father in ways no child should experience».
Anamaria Baral, one of Lyle and Erik’s cousins, said that the imprisoned brothers «deserve a chance at healing, and our family deserves a chance at healing with them».
According to TODAY, she continued: «Both sides of the family, united, share a new bond of hope. Hope that with a review of the case, a new outcome will be reached. Hope that this 34-year nightmare will end, and we will be reunited as a family again».
Anamaria read aloud a letter from her mother, Jose’s sister, which said: «My prayer is that I live to see the day when I can see my nephews again and hug them once more», - reports Daily Mail.
Since their convictions in 1996, Lyle and Erik have maintained that they killed their parents in self-defense after years of alleged emotional, physical, and sexual abuse at home.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual violence, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1−800−656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, impartial support, as well as local resources to help with healing, recovery, and more
At a recent press conference, the family announced the launch of a coalition and website called «Justice for Lyle and Erik». The event took place just hours after the Los Angeles prosecutor released a letter from Erik, written by his late cousin Andy Cano in 1989, in which Erik informed his cousin of violence from his father.
Find out what Los Angeles prosecutor George Gascon and the Menendez brothers' family said at the press conference below.
Los Angeles prosecutor George Gascon spoke at a press conference on Thursday, October 24, 2024, stating that a «review of the verdict is appropriate» and that the question of the possibility of parole should be considered immediately if the judge approves his recommendation. «I believe they have served their debt to society», - he added.
Speaking to reporters, Joan called the murder of Lyle and Erik’s late parents «tragic», - but emphasized that the brothers committed the crime as a result of the «cruelty» of their father.
«Their actions, while tragic, were a desperate response from two boys trying to survive in the unspeakable cruelty of their father», - said Kitty’s sister, according to Daily Mail. «The truth is that Lyle and Erik were betrayed by those who were supposed to protect them — their parents, the system, and society as a whole».
Brian Andersen Jr., one of Kitty’s nephews, said he had «known Erik and Lyle [his] whole life», - according to the publication.
«I have known Erik and Lyle my whole life. I can tell you without a doubt that they are not the villains they have been portrayed as», - Brian said. «They were boys, young, scared, and subjected to violence from their father in ways no child should experience».
Anamaria Baral, one of Lyle and Erik’s cousins, said that the imprisoned brothers «deserve a chance at healing, and our family deserves a chance at healing with them».
According to TODAY, she continued: «Both sides of the family, united, share a new bond of hope. Hope that with a review of the case, a new outcome will be reached. Hope that this 34-year nightmare will end, and we will be reunited as a family again».
Anamaria read aloud a letter from her mother, Jose’s sister, which said: «My prayer is that I live to see the day when I can see my nephews again and hug them once more», - reports Daily Mail.
Since their convictions in 1996, Lyle and Erik have maintained that they killed their parents in self-defense after years of alleged emotional, physical, and sexual abuse at home.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual violence, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1−800−656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, impartial support, as well as local resources to help with healing, recovery, and more
© Artemenko Olga
