Family of Menendez Brothers Calls for Release: New Evidence of Abuse Prompts Push for Resentencing

In a public call for justice, the family of Lyle and Erik Menendez gathered in Los Angeles on Wednesday to urge authorities to release the brothers after over 30 years in prison for the murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. The Menendez brothers’ case, which became one of the most sensationalized criminal trials in U.S. history, is now under fresh scrutiny due to newly surfaced evidence and a shifting societal perspective on sexual abuse.

The family claims the brothers, who were 21 and 18 at the time of the murders, were victims of years of sexual abuse at the hands of their father. They argue that these traumatic experiences played a critical role in the killings and should be considered for resentencing. The family’s plea has gained public attention following the release of a Netflix series in September, which renewed interest in the case.

New Evidence and Allegations of Abuse

Central to the family’s call for the Menendez brothers’ release is a letter written by Erik Menendez before the murders, detailing the abuse he endured from his father. This evidence, along with testimony from Roy Rossello, a former member of the pop group Menudo, alleging that he was also sexually abused by Jose Menendez, forms the basis of the family’s petition for a retrial or resentencing. Rossello’s testimony was featured in the 2023 Peacock docuseries Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed, further adding weight to the claims of abuse.

At the press conference, Joan Andersen VanderMolen, Kitty Menendez’s 92-year-old sister, stood in support of her nephews. “They were just children who were brutalized in the most horrific ways,” she said. VanderMolen emphasized that societal understanding of male sexual abuse has evolved since the brothers’ trial in the early 1990s. “A jury today would never deliver such a harsh sentence,” she added.

A Society Unprepared for the Truth

In 1993, when the brothers first went to trial, they admitted to shooting their parents but claimed they acted out of fear and desperation following years of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse by their father. However, much of the evidence supporting their abuse claims was barred from being presented during their second trial in 1995, which resulted in a conviction of first-degree murder and a life sentence without parole.

Family members and supporters argue that the justice system, at the time, was ill-equipped to handle cases involving male sexual assault survivors. Anna Maria Baralt, a niece of Jose Menendez, pointed out during the press conference, “If they were the Menendez sisters, they would not be in custody. We have evolved.” Baralt’s comments reflect a broader societal shift in recognizing the profound impacts of trauma and abuse, especially for male victims.

District Attorney Reopens the Case

Earlier this month, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that his office would re-examine the Menendez brothers’ case, particularly in light of the new evidence and allegations. Gascón acknowledged the need for a thorough and fair process, stating that his office is exploring “every avenue available” to ensure justice is served. A hearing is scheduled for late November, where the decision on whether to move forward with a resentencing or retrial will be made.

“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,” Gascón’s office said in a statement.

A Divided Family

Despite the family’s united front at the press conference, not all relatives agree that the Menendez brothers should be released. Milton Andersen, Kitty Menendez’s brother, believes that the brothers’ life sentence is appropriate, contending that their motive for murder was purely financial. “He believes that there was no molestation that occurred,” Andersen’s attorney, Kathy Cady, stated. “He believes that the motive was pure greed because they had just learned that they were going to be taken out of the will.”

This division within the family underscores the complexity of the case and the emotional toll it has taken on multiple generations. While some relatives argue that the brothers acted out of survival, others maintain that the killings were motivated by financial gain.

Public Interest and Media Attention

The case of the Menendez brothers has long captivated the public’s attention, especially with the rise of true crime media. The Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, released in September 2023, reignited debate over the brothers’ guilt and the fairness of their sentencing. As public interest in the case resurges, the pressure on the district attorney’s office to carefully review the new evidence continues to mount.

What’s Next for the Menendez Brothers?

As the November hearing approaches, the Menendez brothers remain incarcerated at California’s RJ Donovan Correctional Facility. Both are now in their 50s, having spent over three decades behind bars. Their attorney, Mark Geragos, remains hopeful that the brothers will be resentenced, potentially allowing them to walk free after time served.

For the Menendez family, the upcoming hearing represents a critical turning point in their long fight for justice. Whether or not the brothers will be granted a new trial or resentencing remains to be seen, but the case continues to raise important questions about the justice system’s treatment of sexual abuse survivors and the lasting impact of trauma.