Kim Kardashian calls for release of Menendez brothers
Kim Kardashian has joined those who are demanding the release of Erik and Lyle Menendez, siblings serving life terms for the 1989 double homicide that rocked their family.
“I’ve spent time with Lyle and Erik,” according to the “American Horror Story: Delicate” actor and criminal justice advocate, who published an op-ed for NBC News on Thursday.
Near San Diego, at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, Kim paid a visit to the brothers three weeks ago and noted, “A guard told me he would feel comfortable having them as neighbors.” I paraphrased:
She went on to say that these guys are now working as caretakers for geriatric prisoners in a nursing facility, and they are considerate, intelligent, and trustworthy.
She continued by saying, “If this crime had been committed and the brothers had been tried today, I think the result would have been very different, and I also think they were denied a fair second trial.” She was alluding to the 1996 legal proceedings where the brothers received a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
“During that period, there were few support mechanisms available to survivors of sexual assault, particularly boys. Furthermore, the public’s understanding of the suffering caused by male sexual assault was poor and sometimes veiled in prejudice. Who among us could have thought the law would have been more kind toward the Menendez brothers?
Before the trial even began, the court sentenced Eric and Lyle. She continued by saying that the brothers were “deprived of their childhood by their parents” and “deprived of any chance at freedom” due to a judicial system that failed to properly investigate and prosecute them, which she described as “the reason” for their crimes.
Kardashian also cited a statement from twenty-four Menendez family members, including brothers Jose and Katie Menendez, who are calling for Erik and Lyle’s release.
She stated, “My hope is that the life sentences of Erik and Lyle Menendez will be reconsidered” in light of the recent revelations surrounding their case and the 1988 letter Erik sent to his cousin revealing the assault.
We owe it to these young boys who lost their childhood, who were never given the chance to be heard, treated, or rescued,” Kim said as she finished her article.
Kardashian’s statement followed reports that the brothers, who have been in prison for the murder of their parents for more than 28 years, will face a new court hearing on November 29. This hearing could result in either their release or a new trial.