July 18, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Menendez Family Rallies in Los Angeles, Launches “Justice for Erik and Lyle” Campaign

Relatives Urge Public Support as Brothers Seek Re-Sentencing Based on Abuse Evidence

Nearly two dozen family members of Erik and Lyle Menendez gathered at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles today in a show of solidarity for the brothers as they pursue a re-sentencing appeal. The family also unveiled a new initiative, “Justice for Erik and Lyle,” urging the public to support their cause by signing a petition calling for action from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.

The press conference marked the largest official gathering of relatives from both sides of the Menendez family since District Attorney George Gascón began reviewing the case earlier this year. Erik and Lyle’s attorney, Mark Geragos, reiterated the defense’s long-standing claim that the brothers’ original sentences did not adequately consider the decade of sexual abuse they endured at the hands of their father, Jose Menendez.

“For many years, I struggled to come to terms with what happened to my sister’s family. It was a nightmare none of us could have imagined. But as the details of Lyle and Erik’s abuse came to light, it became clear that their actions, while tragic, were the desperate response of two boys trying to survive the unspeakable cruelty of their father,” said Joan Andersen

VanderMolen, sister of Kitty Menendez. “They have already paid a heavy price. After 35 years, it’s time to give them the opportunity to live the rest of their lives free from the shadow of their past.”

Several family members shared emotional accounts of how Erik and Lyle had attempted to expose their father’s sexual abuse, only to be dismissed by their mother, Kitty Menendez. 

“From the very beginning, I believed that Lyle and Erik were victims of their father’s abuse. Having been in an abusive marriage myself, I know how difficult it is to live in constant fear and feel like there’s no way out,” said Karen VanderMolen, niece of Kitty Menendez. “No child should ever have to endure what they did. Their father’s abuse shattered their lives, and the court’s failure to recognize their trauma only compounded that tragedy. I can’t help but think how different things might have been if the world had known the truth back then.”

They highlighted new evidence currently under review, including a letter Erik wrote to his cousin describing the ongoing abuse. The Menendez brothers were convicted in 1996 for the murder of their parents, but the jury was not allowed to hear testimony regarding the sexual abuse at trial.

“When Erik and Lyle told their truth on the stand, the nation laughed. They called them liars. They refused to believe that boys could be sexually abused or raped,” said Mark Geragos, Erik, and Lyle Menendez’s defense attorney, calling attention to how societal understanding has evolved. “Today, we know better. We know that one in six men have been sexually assaulted, and we understand how PTSD from prolonged abuse impacts behavior. After 35 years, Erik and Lyle are still serving life without the possibility of parole. That is a miscarriage of justice that must be urgently corrected.”

You can watch the press conference here:

Family members are now calling on the DA’s office to consider this new evidence and previous testimony in the effort to secure a new sentence. They also appealed to the public to support their initiative by visiting the coalition’s website, www.JusticeforErikandLyle.org, and signing the petition directed at the Los Angeles DA.

in News
Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Nearly $1B Secured for Refinancing of Westfield Century City Mall

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The proceeds will replace a $925 million commercial mortgage-backed securities loan, originally issued by Morgan Stanley in 2023 and due...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays...

Tesla Seen Nearly Crashing into West LA Home After Collision

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

Footage depicted a blue Prius on the road with significant front-end damage A crash involving injuries was reported around 12:30...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

Hundreds of Red-Legged Frog Tadpoles Released in Santa Monica Mountains

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

Once widespread in California, red-legged frogs vanished from the Santa Monica Mountains by the 1970s Nearly 600 California red-legged frog...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

Westwood Village Board to Discuss Public Art Initiative

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The initiative aims to enhance community pride, boost local business revenue, and address urban blight through public art corridors and...

Beverly Hills Plans Major Apartment Development Near Civic Center

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The site, currently holding 13 residential units, is slated for demolition to make way for the new development A proposal...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...