In an interview with TMZ, Lyle and Erik Menendez make shocking revelations. The brothers also expressed their hope at the chance of qualifying for parole after years in jail. The duo was found guilty of murdering their parents in 1989 and have spent more than 30 years behind bars for the crime. Now, they speak about their experience and future expectations.
Menendez brother’s recent interview
In an interview with TMZ, Lyle stated that he and his brother are “cautiously hopeful” for the future. He also said that this was uncharted territory for them as the two had lost faith in the justice system. It is for this reason that the duo had not spent time dwelling on hope for freedom in the past.
Erik also shared his thoughts with the world stating that he wants to help others by learning from his own experience. He mentioned, “I want to be an advocate for people that are suffering in silence.”
Talking about his own feelings of hope via acquittal, Erik explained that he and his brother are not thinking of leaving prison and dissociating themselves from it. He explained that if the two were to receive freedom, they would utilize it by working with the prison and contributing by doing the work from outside that they are already doing behind bars.
They also relayed about their experience in the prison saying that the two have changed for the better. Erik remarked, “I’m striving to be a better person every day, and I want to be a person that my family can be proud of.” He also mentioned Lyle’s progress saying that the duo has transformed positively. Erik continued to say that his growth over the years has allowed him to finally be content with himself, “I’m beginning to like myself, be proud of myself, and find it’s okay to like myself.”
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Erik revealed more about their volunteer work in the prison. He told TMZ that the best bits of his day were when he proved helpful in some way for instance helping an animal or being the reason for someone’s smile.
LA’s District Attorney refuses to reopen the Menendez case
In early March, LA’s district attorney made his intentions clear regarding Menendez’s brother’s case. He clearly stated that he would oppose the resentencing of the brothers since the two lied about the reason for murdering their parents.
While the previous DA was in support of the resentencing which raised hopes of the duo’s supporters, the current DA, Nathan Hochman is highly against it. Hochman explained his reasoning behind his decision saying the brothers refused to take “complete responsibility” for their actions. He emphasized the fact that Lyle and Erik repeatedly lied during the trial as the case unfolded.
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Hochman continued to justify his decision by saying that the brother’s reasoning and explanations for the crime they committed did not make sense to him. He stated that while Lyle and Erik persistently claimed that their crime was a result of self-defense, it did not match the facts proving that it was a preplanned murder made to look like a gang crime.
Hochman believes, “They have lied to everyone for the last 30 years.” In the past, he also stated, “They pose an unreasonable risk of danger to the community.”
Future trial
The duo’s hearing for the resentence withdrawal request is set to take place this Friday. If, as Hochman’s predecessor recommended, the brothers are resentenced to 50 years in prison, they will then qualify for the requirements to be eligible for parole. However, Hochman is trying his best to oppose such a decision.
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