In 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of murdering their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. Initially, the public was led to believe that the killings were motivated by greed. Throughout their trials, however, evidence of severe sexual, emotional, and physical abuse emerged, which the brothers endured for over a decade at the hands of their father. During their first trials, both Lyle and Erik testified that the abuse created a constant fear for their lives, especially after they confronted their parents, leading them to act in self-defense.
“It was the only time I got to be with him and for him to be nice and caring to me.”
- Erik on the stand about Jose molesting him
Following a mistrial, Lyle and Erik were prosecuted again. However, evidence and testimony about their father’s abuse was intentionally excluded during their second trial. As a result, the brothers were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Over the past three decades, society’s understanding about the impact of sexual abuse on victims – including male victims – has significantly evolved. Yet, Lyle and Erik’s sentence reflects the outdated perception that boys cannot be victims of sexual abuse. Now, with new evidence before the Los Angeles County District Attorney, the family of Lyle and Erik is fighting for a re-sentencing. Their case is emblematic of the broader issue of how male survivors of sexual abuse are misunderstood, dismissed, and too often condemned in the justice system.
New Evidence
Recently, Lyle and Erik’s family discovered a letter Erik wrote to his cousin in 1988, before their parents’ deaths, where he alluded to the sexual abuse continuing in their household. This letter is seen as critical proof that the abuse allegations were not fabricated as a defense strategy, but a painful reality the brothers lived with for years.
“I’ve been trying to avoid dad,” Erik wrote in the letter. “It’s still happening Andy, but it’s worse for me now. I can’t explain it... I never know when it’s going to happen, and it’s driving me crazy. Every night I stay up thinking he might come in. I need to put it out of my mind.”
An additional new piece of evidence is a sworn affidavit by Menudo boy band member, Roy Rosselló, who wrote that Lyle and Erik’s father, José, drugged and raped him in the 1980s, when he was a teenage member of the band. José was a music executive at RCA at the time.
The brothers’ current legal team has filed a habeas corpus petition based on these new pieces of evidence, and the chorus of voices calling for Lyle and Erik’s re-sentencing is growing by the minute. Heeding those calls, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón’s office has announced that he is reviewing the case.
Demand Justice
The fight for justice is far from over, and your voice matters.
Here’s how you can help:
Sign the Statement of Support – Join thousands of others by signing our petition urging DA George Gascón to move forward with a re-sentencing trial. Your signature could make all the difference.
Spread the Word –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.
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AT LEAST 1 IN 6 MEN HAS BEEN SEXUALLY ABUSED OR ASSAULTED
Sexual abuse is a widespread and underreported issue, particularly for boys and men. Research shows that at least 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual abuse or assault, whether as children or adults. This number is likely underestimated, as many men never disclose their abuse due to societal stigma, fear, or shame.
For male survivors, the impacts of abuse can be profound and long-lasting. Studies have shown that men who have experienced sexual abuse are at a much greater risk for mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts. The trauma can affect their relationships, academic achievement, and career success, with many survivors struggling in silence for years.
One shocking statistic reveals that more boys experience sexual abuse than develop prostate cancer – the most common cancer among men. And yet, public awareness of male sexual abuse remains woefully low, perpetuating a cycle of misunderstanding and neglect. It’s time to break the silence and stand with survivors like Lyle and Erik Menendez, who have endured a lifetime of trauma that was never fully acknowledged in the court of law.
Resources for Survivors
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse or assault, there are resources available to provide support and guidance. The path to healing can be challenging, but you are not alone.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): Offers confidential support for survivors of sexual violence, available 24/7.
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
1in6: A dedicated resource for male survivors of sexual abuse, offering anonymous online chat services and support groups.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: For those dealing with intimate partner violence or abuse, offering crisis intervention and referrals.
Call: 1-800-799-SAFE
Safer Society Foundation: Provides resources for survivors and guidance on finding specialized therapists for survivors of sexual abuse.
Taking the first step toward healing can be daunting, but it is important to reach out and ask for help.
Healing is possible, and these organizations are here to support you.