Yahoo Lifestyle ‘Monsters’ Star Cooper Koch, Kim Kardashian Praise D.A.’s Call for Menendez Brothers’ Resentencing: ‘I Hope to See Erik and Lyle Free From All This’
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” star Cooper Koch is reacting to the Los Angeles District Attorney announcing Thursday afternoon that he is seeking a resentencing for the brothers.
The siblings have been serving life sentences without the possibility of parole since 1996 when they were convicted for murdering their parents in 1989.
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“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and hope for the progress we’ve seen today,” Koch, who portrayed Erik in the Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan Netflix series. “Gascón’s recommendation has ignited a renewed sense of possibility that Lyle and Erik could finally be released after decades behind bars. But, this journey is not over.
“There are still critical steps ahead: the judge must endorse the resentencing, and, if that happens, the parole board must recognize the time they have served as fitting for the crime,” the statement continued. “Our voices, our unwavering support, remain crucial — not just for the brothers to ensure their release, but also for every victim of sexual abuse fighting to be heard. I hope to see Erik and Lyle soon free from all of this.”
Koch didn’t have contact with Erik while preparing or shooting the series. They first talked on the phone the night before “Monsters” dropped on Netflix. A few days later, he visited the brothers with Kim Kardashian to talk about prison reform.
Kardashian released a statement on Instagram.
“Society’s understanding of child abuse has evolved, and social media empowers us to question the system in place,” she wrote, in part. “This case highlights the importance of challenging decisions and seeking truth, even when guilt is not in question.”
She also wrote, “Thank you, George Gascón for revisiting the Menendez brothers’ case and righting a significant wrong. Your commitment to truth and fairness is commendable. To the brother’s family, friends, and millions who have been vocal supporters — your voices were heard. The media’s focus, especially on the heels of Ryan Murphy’s TV show, helped expose the abuse and injustices in their case.”
Murphy has yet to comment on Gascón’s annoucnement but previously told Variety, “We gave them their moment in the court of public opinion. Basically, we did give them a platform. I think they can be out of prison by Christmas. I really believe that.”
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