LOS ANGELES — Cousins of Erik and Lyle Menendez voiced their disapproval on Thursday regarding the Los Angeles district attorney’s decision to oppose a new trial for the brothers, who have been incarcerated for nearly 30 years for the 1989 murders of their parents.
The Menendez cousins praised California Governor Gavin Newsom for his recent directive to the state parole board to evaluate whether the brothers would pose a risk to public safety if released. This marks the initial move towards a potential clemency decision by the governor.
At the time of the murders, Erik and Lyle Menendez were 18 and 21 years old. They were convicted for the killings of their mother, Kitty Menendez, and their father, Jose Menendez, receiving life sentences without the possibility of parole. In recent years, the brothers have pursued new legal avenues for freedom, citing newly surfaced evidence regarding their father’s sexual abuse, with backing from many family members.
During a press conference last week, District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed skepticism regarding the new allegations of sexual abuse and questioned the credibility of the brothers’ testimonies, citing inconsistencies in their accounts for the murders.
Anamarie Baralt, niece of Jose Menendez, labeled Hochman’s decision as “extra hurtful,” especially after meeting with his office to discuss their family’s experiences.
“It disregards the significant progress we’ve made in understanding the long-term impacts of abuse and the systemic hurdles that silence victims,” Baralt stated. “The expectation that victims should disclose their abuse immediately fails to recognize the reality of trauma.”
Baralt emphasized that the current administration’s approach differed from that of former district attorney George Gascón, questioning whether Hochman’s decision aligns with contemporary understandings of trauma.
“Is he applying the laws as they exist today with a modern, trauma-informed perspective? Or is he relying on an outdated and harmful framework?” she questioned.
Tamara Goodell, a second cousin to the Menendez brothers, expressed her disappointment over the lack of recognition regarding the brothers’ positive contributions while in prison.
She highlighted that Erik and Lyle Menendez, now in their 50s, have “established careers” during their incarceration, noting numerous peer support initiatives they have launched.
Erik Menendez has initiated an Alternatives to Violence project, facilitating workshops that promote peaceful conflict resolution, along with supporting elderly and disabled inmates through various programs.
Lyle Menendez developed the Green Space project, aimed at enhancing prison environments through landscaping and murals, marking a significant milestone as it was the first instance of prison administration allowing an inmate to lead such an effort. He also created a mentoring program for juveniles sentenced to life without parole and a communication bulletin within the prison.
The hearing for the proposed resentencing of the Menendez brothers is scheduled for March, which would allow their immediate eligibility for parole. Hochman mentioned that he would provide updates regarding his stance in the upcoming weeks, taking into account the brothers’ rehabilitative efforts during their time in prison.
Both Goodell and Baralt indicated that their long-term interactions with the brothers revealed profound remorse for their actions on the night of the murders.
Baralt recalled a poignant statement from Lyle in a letter she received in 2006.
“He expressed, ‘I need you to understand that I recognize my actions are your personal tragedy, and I know I can never take it back, but I will spend the rest of my life trying to make it better,’” recounted Baralt.
