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As Erik Menendez and Lyle Menendez‘s upcoming court docket listening to approaches, their relations held a press convention, calling for a attainable re-sentencing. On Wednesday, October 16, a number of family members spoke out in assist of the brothers, together with Kitty Menendez‘s sister, Joan Anderson VanderMolen. Lyle and Erik fatally shot Kitty and José in August 1989, however their household has stood behind them since their Nineties trials.
During the current press convention, the household introduced the launch of a coalition and web site titled “Justice for Lyle and Erik.” The occasion passed off simply hours after the Los Angeles District Attorney launched Erik’s letter that was written to his late cousin, Andy Cano, in 1989, revealing that Erik knowledgeable his cousin of his father’s abuse.
Find out what the Menendez brothers’ household mentioned on the press convention, under.
Kitty’s Sister Blames José
While taking to the rostrum in entrance of reporters, Joan known as the murders of Lyle and Erik’s late mother and father “tragic” however emphasised that the siblings dedicated the crime because of their father’s “cruelty.”
“Their actions, whereas tragic, have been the determined response of two boys attempting to outlive the unspeakable cruelty of their father,” Kitty’s sister mentioned, in keeping with Daily Mail. “The fact is, Lyle and Erik have been failed by the very individuals who ought to have protected them—their mother and father, the system, and society at massive.”
At the Menendez Brothers press convention, their aunt explains the significance of understanding the influence of the trauma from sexual abuse: “Abuse has lengthy lasting results. Victims of trauma generally act in methods which might be very obscure” pic.twitter.com/fxsR5DpSG0
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) October 16, 2024
Kitty’s Nephew Says Lyle & Erik are ‘Not Villains’
Brian Andersen Jr., one in all Kitty’s nephews, mentioned that he’s “identified Erik and Lyle [his] entire life,” in keeping with the outlet.
“I’ve identified Erik and Lyle my entire life. I can let you know certainly that they aren’t the villains they’ve been portrayed as,” Brian mentioned. “They have been boys, younger, scared and abused by their father in methods no baby ought to ever expertise.”
José’s Niece Says Family Would Benefit From Menendez Siblings’ Release
Anamaria Baral, one in all Lyle and Erik’s cousins, mentioned that the incarcerated brothers “deserve an opportunity to heal, and our household deserves an opportunity to heal with them.”
Per TODAY, she continued, “Both sides of the household, united, sharing a brand new bond of hope. Hope that with the reexamination of the case a brand new consequence shall be reached. Hope that this 34-year nightmare will finish and we shall be reunited as a household.”
José’s Sister’s ‘Prayer’ for Erik & Lyle
Anamaria learn aloud a letter from her mom, José’s sister, which learn, “My prayer is that I stay lengthy sufficient to see my nephews once more and to hug them as soon as extra,” in keeping with Daily Mail.
Since their 1996 convictions, Lyle and Erik have maintained the declare that they killed their mother and father out of self-defense after years of alleged emotional, bodily and sexual abuse at dwelling.
If you or anybody you realize has been sexually abused, name the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A educated workers member will present confidential, judgment-free assist in addition to native sources to help in therapeutic, recovering and extra.