LOS ANGELES: Lyle and Erik Menendez have spent more time behind restaurants than on probation. The boys have received education, self-help training, and started several support groups for their fellow prisoners since their arrest more than 35 years ago for the double death of their parents in their Beverly Hills, California, house.
When they testify before a judge in Los Angeles on Thursday and Friday to request a decreased sentence that might result in their release, their attorneys intend to show how they behaved while they are imprisoned. After killing their pleasure professional father, Jose Menendez, and their mother, Kitty Menendez, the boys were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of probation at the age of 18 and 21.
The boys killed their kids for a multimillion-dollar estate, according to prosecutors, despite the defense attorneys ‘ claims that the boys acted in self-defense after decades of sexual abuse by their parents. When he asked the court to acquire a new word for the boys, one that would make them instantly available for pardon, George Gascon, a former district attorney, gave them another opportunity.
A thorough analysis of their time and recovery efforts is provided by a resentencing plea filed by Gascon’s office. Custodial officers who have observed their behaviour in prison have given both brothers praise and statements of assistance.
In a letter from April 2024 to support Lyle’s resentencing, custodial lieutenant Victor Cortes praised his “exceptional conduct, a high level of character and trustworthiness.”
According to the resentencing complaint, Corrections Officer D. Rosario stated in a March 2016 letter that” Erik Menendez is a restored man who sincerely strives to help those in need.”
Nathan Hochman, Gascon’s successor, doesn’t believe. He requested last month to remove the resentencing demand, and lawyers claimed at the hearing last Friday that they could not agree with the boys ‘ resentencing.
According to jail records, Lyle has not engaged in a battle in the 30 years he has been imprisoned, which means he was moved to a Special Needs gardens in 1997 because “he doesn’t fight back when attacked.”
According to the resentencing complaint, both boys have the lowest possible risk analysis and natural security risk values for life-serving prisoners.
Unlike his nephew, Erik was cited for two battles out of his eight prison infractions. According to the resentencing complaint, Lyle has committed five offenses. Possession of a smartphone and other forms of contraband, such as a cooler or Adidas shoes, are some examples of these offenses.
Early years of captivity Erik completed a number of target emotion, anger control, and domestic violence courses during the first few years of his time there.
In a 2017 letter cited in the resentencing complaint, affiliate governor B. Holmes claims that Lyle began taking leadership positions and served as Representative for Captives in Northern California prison in 2003.
He has collaborated effectively with the management to create a good software culture at Mule Creek State Prison for more than ten years, Holmes said.
According to the resentencing complaint, Erik cofounded the Life Care and Hospice links support team in 2016 with the intention of providing support for elderly and disabled individuals and fostering closer understanding and sympathy between them and their able-bodied classmates.
His cousin Anamaria Baralt stated at a news conference last month that “he believes in compassion and dignity even while he is in prison.” Community resource manager Crystal Lopez claims that Erik wrote the entire curriculum and produced a new 126-page program manual in 2023.
Erik also founded two meditation programs and has also served as the workshop’s lead facilitator for Alternatives to Violence, an in-prison conflict resolution program. According to the resentencing petition, he once was teaching five different classes a week.
In 2016, Lyle founded a program to assist other inmates in understanding their childhood trauma and discuss topics like the Youth LWOP Ally, a mentoring group for youth offenders who are serving life sentences without the possibility of parole, mentoring other youth who are pursuing their rehabilitation goals.
Beginning in 2018, Lyle spearheaded the Green Space Project at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. The goal is to improve the conditions in prison yards so that there is a better chance of reducing violence and recidivism.
Their project was influenced by the Norwegian method of incarceration, which states that a successful reintegration into society is possible in a humane prison setting.
Over 100 prisoners took part, making this the first time the prison system has given an inmate the task of leading such a redesign, Baralt said at a virtual press conference in February.
According to the resentencing petition, he collaborated with local businesses and all levels of prison administration to raise more than$ 250, 000 for the project. He also partnered with Guide Dogs of America to raise$ 100, 000 for artificial grass.
A massive mural that features San Diego landmarks is being painted by Erik. Outdoor classrooms, meeting spaces for rehabilitation groups, and service dog training areas will be included in the finished product.
Following a higher education, Lyle received a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from the University of California, Irvine earlier this year, and she had previously earned an associate degree in sociology. He is currently enrolled in a master’s program to study urban planning and recidivism, and his capstone project, Green Space, is a collaboration between him and his professors.
Erik will receive a bachelor of arts in sociology in June after being accepted into UC Irvine for the fall 2023 term. Prior to that, he earned degrees in sociology and social and behavioral science as well as a diploma in health care assistant.
Their cousin Tamara Goodall remarked,” They’ve taken that deck of hards and made it a winning hand for themselves while they’re in prison.”
