Family members of the Menendez brothers have launched Justice for Erik and Lyle Menendez
Along with Erik and Lyle Menedez’s attorney Mark Geragos, family members of the Menendez brothers gathered in Los Angeles to introduce a new coalition and website.
In 1996, Erik and Lyle Menendez were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of shooting dead their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez at their Beverly Hills Home. More than 30 years later, members of their family have gathered to urge authorities to review their case.
The brothers claimed during their trial that they suffered both years of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their father Jose Menendez. Jose Menendez’s sister Terry Baralt made a statement which was read out by his niece Anamaria Baralt. The statement said: “I implore the district attorney’s office to end our prolonged suffering and release Lyle and Erik back to our family. Thirty-five years is such a long time. My prayer is that I live long enough to see my nephews again and to hug them once more.”
CNN reported that “On Wednesday, Joan VanderMolen, Kitty Menendez’s sister, told reporters: “I had no idea the extent of the abuse they suffered at the hands of my brother-in-law., None of us did. We know that abuse has long effects, and victims of trauma sometimes act in ways that are very difficult to understand.. The whole world was not ready to hear that boys could be raped.”
The family have now released a new website called, ‘Justice for Erik & Lyle.’ They are asking people to sign a statement of support and are encouraging them to “use the hashtag #JusticeForErikandLyle on social media and share their story. Let others know the truth about what happened, and why justice must be served.”
The website is subdivided into different sections, including About The Case, New Evidence, Demand Justice, Get Informed, News and Resources For Survivors.