Menendez family pushes for release of Erik and Lyle amid review of new abuse claims

Erik and Lyle Menendez’s family calls for their release as new evidence of sexual abuse by their father emerges.

Family members of Erik and Lyle Menendez held a press conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday, urging for their release from prison.

The brothers, convicted of the 1989 murder of their parents, have been serving life sentences without parole for over 30 years. Relatives, including Kitty Menendez's sister, Joan Andersen VanderMolen, emphasized that evidence of long-term sexual abuse by their father, José Menendez, would be viewed differently today. “Their actions were the desperate response of two boys trying to survive,” VanderMolen said, advocating for their release.

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office recently announced a review of new evidence in the case, including a letter from Erik Menendez detailing the abuse and claims from Roy Rossello, a former Menudo member, who accused José Menendez of raping him as a teen in the 1980s.

Despite the overwhelming family support, some, like Kitty's brother Milton Andersen, believe the brothers should remain in prison. Andersen’s attorney, Kathy Cady, stated that he thinks the murders were motivated by greed, not abuse.

District Attorney George Gascón confirmed that while the murders are indisputable, his office will consider the new evidence to determine if resentencing is appropriate. A hearing is scheduled for November 29.