Kim Kardashian responds after Menendez brothers given ‘second chances at life’ after resentencing decision
Kim Kardashian has reacted to the major update in Erik and Lyle Menendez's case, which may see the brothers resentenced after nearly 35 years in prison.
Following the release of Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story the brothers’ story has once again been catapulted into the forefront of public consciousness.
Erik and Lyle were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 1996 after being found guilty of fatally shooting their parents Jose and Kitty Menendez in their Beverly Hills home back in 1989.
However, the brothers have always alleged that they killed their parents in self-defence, citing years of sexual abuse at the hands of their father.
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Their case has been looked on more sympathetically in the past couple years as public understanding of sexual abuse towards boys and men changes, with a Los Angeles district attorney making the landmark decision to advise the brothers be resentenced yesterday (24 October).
The resentencing decision will ultimately still be up to a judge.
Kardashian - who previously visited Erik in prison alongside Monsters actor Cooper Koch - has since voiced her support for the latest update and praised Los Angeles attorney George Gascón for revisiting the case via her Instagram Stories.
“The Menendez brothers were granted a second chance at life and will wake up tomorrow finally eligible for a parole hearing,” she wrote.
“They could be released in as early as 6 months. Thank you, George Gascón, for revisiting the Menéndez brothers’ case and righting a significant wrong. Your commitment to truth and fairness is commendable.
“To the brothers' family, friends, and the millions who have been vocal supporters – your voices were heard. The media's focus, especially on the heels of Ryan Murphy's TV show, helped expose the abuse and injustices in their case.”
She continued: “Society’s understanding of child abuse has evolved, and social media empowers us to question the system in place.
"This case highlights the importance of challenging decisions and seeking truth, even when guilt is not in question.
“I believe in the justice system's ability to evolve, and I am grateful for a society where we can challenge decisions and seek justice.”
In a follow-up post, Kardashian explained how the brothers would now be ‘immediately eligible for parole’ after their sentences were reduced to ‘50 years to life’.
“In 2015, a bill was passed in California allowing individuals sentenced to life in prison before the age of 25 to seek parole after serving 25 years,” she wrote.
“Since Erik and Lyle have been in prison for 35 years, they qualify as 'youthful offenders' and are immediately eligible for parole.”
Kardashian isn’t the first celebrity to publicly support the brothers receiving parole, with Monsters actor Koch previously telling LADbible that he believes the brothers are ‘victims’ of their parents.
"I think that they are victims, and I do believe that they should have a chance to be resentenced and to have the opportunity to get parole," he said. "I stand with that."
Topics: Menendez Brothers, US News, Crime, True Crime
Brenna Cooper