Menendez brothers’ family make pleas in court hearing amid bid for freedom

During a court hearing, relatives of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who are both serving life sentences without the possibility of parole for killing their parents, expressed heartfelt appeals for the brothers' release.

This follows the announcement by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon, who suggested that the sentences of the brothers be reconsidered. They have also gained support from most of their family members and celebrities like Kim Kardashian.

If the brothers are resentenced, it might lead to their quick release from prison, but this outcome requires a judge's approval.

The murder case from 1989 has gained significant media attention in recent months, following the release of a Netflix drama series and a documentary film.

The Menendez brothers have always acknowledged that they were the ones who fired the shots that resulted in the deaths of their parents, Jose and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, on August 20, 1989, at their residence in Beverly Hills.

However, the two have consistently asserted that their actions were a form of self-defense, stemming from the physical and sexual abuse they suffered from their father.

Joan VanderMolen, who is Kitty Menendez's sister, showed up at the Van Nuys Courthouse West just before her 93rd birthday to testify in favor of the brothers’ release. She was accompanied by Terry Baralt, the eldest sister of Jose Menendez.

In a heartfelt declaration, Ms. VanderMolen expressed to the court that no child should ever have to experience what the brothers went through “because of their father.”

"It deeply saddens me that my sister Kitty was aware of what was going on but chose to remain inactive," Ms. VanderMolen expressed.

"I care deeply for Erik and Lyle, and I hope they return home soon."

Ms. VanderMolen stated that she definitely represents the whole family, with the exception of her brother Milton Andersen, who has previously declined to back the brothers' plea for freedom.

"He has no idea what he's discussing," Ms. VanderMolen remarked.

At the same time, Ms. Baralt informed the court that she shared a strong bond with her younger brother Jose and referred to his wife Kitty as "my closest friend." However, she had traveled to the court session to support the release of the Menendez brothers.

"Thirty-five years is a significant amount of time, and I believe it's time for them to return home," Ms. Baralt said with deep emotion in her voice as she addressed the court.

"We really miss the kids and would love to have them back with us."

Eighty-five-year-old Ms. Baralt mentioned that she hasn't seen the Menendez brothers in a while due to her cancer treatment. However, she expressed her desire to testify in court on their behalf.

"I really want to embrace them and spend time with them, not visit them in a prison… These children meant so much to me; even though they're not kids anymore, they'll always feel that way to me. It has been a tough experience," she mentioned.

Although the brothers were not visible through a video connection, the court informed everyone that they were able to listen to the proceedings.

Judge Michael Jesic postponed the next hearing until January 30th, stating that he wouldn't be prepared for the originally set date of December 11 due to the extensive amount of information that needs to be reviewed.

Defense attorney Mark Geragos stated that the hearing might "possibly" extend beyond a single day.

At a press conference held outside the courthouse, Mr. Geragos referred to the hearing as "incredibly emotional."

"It was the first time in several years that Lyle and Erik had even a slight presence in the courtroom," he mentioned.

From our seats, it was genuinely touching to hear Aunt Terry and Joan, who are the older sisters of Jose and Kitty, make heartfelt requests to the judge to reunite the brothers with their family.

Terry gave sworn testimony saying that she was very close to Jose and almost grew up alongside him. Joan also mentioned Kitty and highlighted all the positive contributions they have made since being there.

“We're optimistic that by January 30 or 31, or possibly even before then, we will be able to secure the brothers' release.”

Before the hearing began, many members of the public gathered at the courthouse to enter a lottery for a chance to secure a few seats in the courtroom.

In 1996, the brothers were found guilty and given a life sentence without the possibility of parole. They are currently incarcerated at the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego.

This followed an earlier mistrial where the jury couldn't reach a unanimous decision for either brother. Prosecutors argued that there was no proof of any abuse and suggested that the brothers killed their parents to gain access to the family's wealth.

Mr. Gascon later backed the brothers' plea for clemency to California Governor Gavin Newsom. The petition indicated that all family members, with the exception of Milton Andersen—Kitty Menendez's brother—were in favor of it.

Netflix has released a new drama series titled "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story," created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan.

The nine-episode series features Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch in the roles of the brothers, with Oscar-winning actors Javier Bardem and Chloe Sevigny playing their parents, Jose and Kitty.

At that time, the actual Erik Menendez expressed his disapproval of the series, describing it as a "misleading representation" of a period when prosecutors created a story based on the assumption that men cannot be victims of sexual abuse.

Netflix has also launched a documentary called The Menendez Brothers, which includes interviews with the two siblings.