Aunt of Erik and Lyle Menendez reveals disturbing new details, advocates for their release

Joan VanderMolen has shared unsettling details about the abuse her nephews suffered, calling for their release.

The aunt of Erik and Lyle Menendez, Joan VanderMolen, has shared disturbing new details about the abuse her nephews endured in the years leading up to the infamous murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez. In an interview with Vanity Fair, VanderMolen, now 92, advocated for the brothers' release, citing newly discovered evidence and the trauma they experienced.

Following the renewed attention sparked by Ryan Murphy's popular series Monsters, a court hearing has been scheduled to present this evidence to the district attorney, with hopes that Erik and Lyle's sentences could be reconsidered.

VanderMolen, who has supported her nephews since the trial began, provided intimate details of their lives. She revealed that her daughter, Diane, had witnessed Lyle Menendez being abused by their father, José Menendez, and had tried to inform their mother, Kitty. However, Kitty allegedly refused to believe the claims and even allowed the abuse to continue.

In a heartbreaking revelation, VanderMolen discussed Erik's lasting trauma, recounting that as a child, he exhibited peculiar behavior, such as needing to eat with lemon at every meal, a habit she believes is tied to the abuse he suffered.

The Menendez brothers, who were convicted of the murders of their parents in 1996, had reportedly tried to convince their mother to leave José, but she chose to remain in the marriage. VanderMolen expressed frustration over Kitty's inaction and the devastating consequences it had on Erik and Lyle.

With the exception of one family member, VanderMolen said the entire family supports the brothers' release. "They didn’t deserve any of this. They were used and abused," she stated, adding that she speaks with Erik and Lyle regularly, and they remain hopeful that their sentences may be changed.

The upcoming court hearing represents a critical moment for Erik and Lyle Menendez, whose case has gained renewed public interest, particularly regarding the abuse allegations that shaped their defense.