Kim Kardashian calls for the release of murderers Erik and Lyle Menendez

Kim Kardashian is calling for the release of convicted murderers Erik and Lyle Menendez, weeks after the reality star visited the brothers in prison.

The Menendez brothers, serving life sentences for the 1989 murders of their parents José and Kitty, have returned to the public eye following the release of Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez.

They were arrested in March 1990 for first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder outside their home and convicted in 1996. In 2024, new evidence emerged that has the potential to free her.

In a personal essay for NBC News, Kardashian writes, “We are all products of our experiences. They shape who we were, who we are and who we will be. Physiologically and psychologically, time changes us, and I doubt anyone would claim to be the same person they were at 18. I know it’s not me!”

The Kardashians The 43-year-old star goes on to argue that the case against the brothers is “much more complex than it seems at first glance.”

She writes that the sexual, physical and emotional abuse the couple allegedly suffered at the hands of their parents was not adequately addressed and that the media attention surrounding the case resulted in “Erik and Lyle not being given a chance at a fair hearing.” had a trial.”

“Back then, there were limited resources for victims of sexual abuse, particularly boys,” she writes. “There were virtually no survivor support systems in place, and public awareness of the trauma of men’s sexual abuse was minimal and often clouded by preconceived judgments and homophobia. Can anyone seriously deny that the justice system would have treated the Menendez? sisters more lenient?”

Kardashian describes her visit to the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego County: “I spent time with Lyle and Erik; They are not monsters. They are kind, intelligent and honest men. Both have an exemplary disciplinary record in prison. They have earned multiple college degrees, worked as hospice caregivers for elderly incarcerated people, and served as mentors in college programs—all with the goal of giving back to others.

“When I visited the prison three weeks ago, one of the guards told me that he would feel comfortable having them as neighbors. Twenty-four family members, including their parents’ siblings, have released statements fully supporting Lyle and Erik and have respectfully requested that the justice system release them.”

While she acknowledges that “the murders are inexcusable,” she believes that “the trial and punishment these brothers received were more befitting a serial killer than two people who endured years of sexual abuse at the hands of those same people , who they loved and trusted.”

“I do not believe that spending her entire natural life in prison was the right punishment for this complex case. Had this crime been committed and tried today, I believe the outcome would have been completely different.”

She concludes: “We owe it to the little boys who lost their childhood and never had the chance to be heard, helped or saved.”

Kardashian has long been an advocate for criminal justice reform and was reported to have spoken to inmates about prison reform during her prison visit.

Monster The film stars Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny as José and Kitty, with Cooper Koch and Nicholas Chavez as brothers.

Since the series became available on Netflix, viewers have been warning others on social media about the graphic nature of the violence depicted in the series.