The Menendez Brothers

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They murdered their parents because they are murderers, not because they were abused. Lots of people are abused and it doesn't make them kill their abusers. They were adults. They could have walked away or called the police. They could have written a tell-all. They could have said, "You're dead to me. I will never see or speak to you again." Instead they killed them. Because they are murderers.

I don’t think anyone is arguing they shouldn’t have been convicted for murder. But jail is supposed to be both punitive and rehabilitative. They’ve served 30 years and they appear to be rehabilitated. So why are they still in jail?

Agree

They served their time. They are not a threat to society.

There is Solid corroborating evidence that they were sexually molested by their dad. Who would not be messed up after living through such abuse by the people who supposed to protect you?

They have spouses who love them.

It is both inhumane and a waste of tax payers money to keep them in jail.

What is the “solid” evidence that you are referring to here?
The fact that one person claimed they were sexually abused by their Father??
I wouldn’t call that solid evidence in regards to the letter of the law.

And they paid their debt to society??
Most people who murder more than one person (in CA) are often eligible for the death penalty.
Even if they had gotten parole last week, they were no where near what most people who kill multiple people get as a penalty.

I think keeping them in prison is an efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
Because if they got out, it is very clear that they wouldn’t be able to conform to society’s rules since they cannot even follow basic prison ones.

Evidence supporting claims that the Menendez brothers were sexually molested by their father includes:

1. a 1988 letter from Erik Menendez to his cousin detailing the abuse; and

2. a recent declaration from Roy Rosselló, a former Menudo band member, alleging he was also sexually assaulted by Jose Menendez.

These pieces of evidence were excluded or unknown at their original trials. I agree with their lawyers that they should be considered for a reduced sentence based on the significance of lifetime abuse.

LA District Attorney George Gascón: He wrote letters to California Governor Gavin Newsom supporting clemency for the brothers before he left office.

Fellow prison staff and inmates: During their recent parole hearings, prison employees testified as character witnesses regarding their good behavior and rehabilitation.

Over a dozen family members, including aunts and cousins, have provided emotional statements and letters of support for the brothers.

While I respect your comprehensive response, I cannot in good faith be convinced that these two premeditated two examples that you provided are stable enough to call for the release of two self-confessed murderers.

The letter that was written could have been part of the premeditation (like purchasing the guns used) of their murder plan.
Also the sexual abuse by the former Menudo member is simply an allegation >> there is no mitigating evidence that can prove Jose actually abused this person.

No written messages or even phone messages, etc.

And yes, Jose likely was a huge jerk (even much worse!) to his family, however his two sons knew where the door was and could have rightfully left home.
When they were minors they could have stayed w/one of their relatives that are claiming now that Jose abused his family.

Yet instead they chose to exact mortal revenge, then get paid for it claiming self defense made them do it.
What explains the shopping sprees afterward??

And who really believes that their jail infractions were minor?
Running an elaborate tax scheme with a drug gang does not sound benign to me.
Nor does selling drugs behind bars…..

Plus one

The brothers are justifying their actions with excuses, just like they are justifying killing their parents.
They say they felt that their parents were going to murder them, that they felt forced to shoot them in an act of pure self defense.
Yet it is obvious that they could have left their home as they were old enough to get a job and an apartment.
If they shot their parents because of years of abuse they surely didn’t seem like victims while out spending major dollars on expensive cars and watches, ETC.

The excuses won’t stop with them. They will get out, commit more crimes because it’s all they know, and blame their parents, the corrections system, other inmates, anyone but themselves. That’s why they are better off where they are.

[Anonymous]

They are claiming they didn’t follow the prison rules (like smuggling in a contraband, unpermitted cellular phone) due to being afraid their private conversations via the prison phone calls would be leaked to the media.

Erik stated during his parole hearing that at the time when he broke the jail rules, he was under the impression that he was never getting out so…..!

They always have an answer, an excuse for everything they do.
Their justifications carry zero logic too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They murdered their parents because they are murderers, not because they were abused. Lots of people are abused and it doesn't make them kill their abusers. They were adults. They could have walked away or called the police. They could have written a tell-all. They could have said, "You're dead to me. I will never see or speak to you again." Instead they killed them. Because they are murderers.

I don’t think anyone is arguing they shouldn’t have been convicted for murder. But jail is supposed to be both punitive and rehabilitative. They’ve served 30 years and they appear to be rehabilitated. So why are they still in jail?

Agree

They served their time. They are not a threat to society.

There is Solid corroborating evidence that they were sexually molested by their dad. Who would not be messed up after living through such abuse by the people who supposed to protect you?

They have spouses who love them.

It is both inhumane and a waste of tax payers money to keep them in jail.

What is the “solid” evidence that you are referring to here?
The fact that one person claimed they were sexually abused by their Father??
I wouldn’t call that solid evidence in regards to the letter of the law.

And they paid their debt to society??
Most people who murder more than one person (in CA) are often eligible for the death penalty.
Even if they had gotten parole last week, they were no where near what most people who kill multiple people get as a penalty.

I think keeping them in prison is an efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
Because if they got out, it is very clear that they wouldn’t be able to conform to society’s rules since they cannot even follow basic prison ones.

Evidence supporting claims that the Menendez brothers were sexually molested by their father includes:

1. a 1988 letter from Erik Menendez to his cousin detailing the abuse; and

2. a recent declaration from Roy Rosselló, a former Menudo band member, alleging he was also sexually assaulted by Jose Menendez.

These pieces of evidence were excluded or unknown at their original trials. I agree with their lawyers that they should be considered for a reduced sentence based on the significance of lifetime abuse.

LA District Attorney George Gascón: He wrote letters to California Governor Gavin Newsom supporting clemency for the brothers before he left office.

Fellow prison staff and inmates: During their recent parole hearings, prison employees testified as character witnesses regarding their good behavior and rehabilitation.

Over a dozen family members, including aunts and cousins, have provided emotional statements and letters of support for the brothers.

While I respect your comprehensive response, I cannot in good faith be convinced that these two premeditated two examples that you provided are stable enough to call for the release of two self-confessed murderers.

The letter that was written could have been part of the premeditation (like purchasing the guns used) of their murder plan.
Also the sexual abuse by the former Menudo member is simply an allegation >> there is no mitigating evidence that can prove Jose actually abused this person.

No written messages or even phone messages, etc.

And yes, Jose likely was a huge jerk (even much worse!) to his family, however his two sons knew where the door was and could have rightfully left home.
When they were minors they could have stayed w/one of their relatives that are claiming now that Jose abused his family.

Yet instead they chose to exact mortal revenge, then get paid for it claiming self defense made them do it.
What explains the shopping sprees afterward??

And who really believes that their jail infractions were minor?
Running an elaborate tax scheme with a drug gang does not sound benign to me.
Nor does selling drugs behind bars…..

Plus one

The brothers are justifying their actions with excuses, just like they are justifying killing their parents.
They say they felt that their parents were going to murder them, that they felt forced to shoot them in an act of pure self defense.
Yet it is obvious that they could have left their home as they were old enough to get a job and an apartment.
If they shot their parents because of years of abuse they surely didn’t seem like victims while out spending major dollars on expensive cars and watches, ETC.

The excuses won’t stop with them. They will get out, commit more crimes because it’s all they know, and blame their parents, the corrections system, other inmates, anyone but themselves. That’s why they are better off where they are.

I could not agree any more.
These guys could be considered kings of the common blame game!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it hard to read the "I don't think they were abused" or "it wasn't because of the abuse" comments, after reading details about the abuse that are too specific to reasonably be made up. The details sound credible and horrific. It was extremely frequent. There was "nice" sexual abuse and "bad" sexual abuse, depending on whether they were being punished vs "rewarded" for something. The kid snapped after they told him he couldn't leave for college, which he'd been holding out as his escape from the lifelong abuse. The mother actively enabled it. I find it entirely feasible that they were that desperate and angry and terrified, all of the things. It's not an excuse by any means, and it also doesn't mean they're good people (don't know them from spam), but I do believe that's what happened.

+1

I didn’t read the whole thread but this comment resonates. My perspective is from decades of work as a DV advocate, defense attorney and prosecutor, and attorney for children, parents and the state in the child welfare court. I’ve seen a very great deal and been very extensively and well educated by professionals in all the relevant areas that pertain to this case.

Kitty and Jose Menendez were horrible abusers, nobody should be defending them in any respect. Yes it is equally awful abuse to be fully aware your children are being raped and to do nothing to protect them - never mind the other psychological abuse that was inflicted by the domestic abuse in the family system which is corroborated by Jose’s own family - they all know he was a bastard to his wife and kids.

At the same time the two sons can be spoiled entitled etc. and of course there is every possibility that they have disordered personalities because they’ve been raped by their own father for many years and cruelly bullied by him as well. That is early childhood trauma people, of course they aren’t perfect people after going through the abuse and trauma they had no way to leave and no protection from.

People are reacting viscerally to the killing of parents which I get, but a great many of you are not applying reason to the total set of facts.

30+ years for a murder of tormentors committed by damaged boys whose brains were not fully developed seems like a reasonable place to begin considering if we really believe in the rehabilitation we preach. Their infractions have been very minor and their accomplishments in prison extensive, from everything I’ve read. They heard the concerns of the board and can address those concerns and if the board is honest they will reward them next time they are considered for release assuming the record shows they’ve made the progress requested.

Charles Manson was horribly abused in childhood. Did you think he should be released, too?

Charles Manson is dead, poster. Do keep up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it hard to read the "I don't think they were abused" or "it wasn't because of the abuse" comments, after reading details about the abuse that are too specific to reasonably be made up. The details sound credible and horrific. It was extremely frequent. There was "nice" sexual abuse and "bad" sexual abuse, depending on whether they were being punished vs "rewarded" for something. The kid snapped after they told him he couldn't leave for college, which he'd been holding out as his escape from the lifelong abuse. The mother actively enabled it. I find it entirely feasible that they were that desperate and angry and terrified, all of the things. It's not an excuse by any means, and it also doesn't mean they're good people (don't know them from spam), but I do believe that's what happened.

+1

I didn’t read the whole thread but this comment resonates. My perspective is from decades of work as a DV advocate, defense attorney and prosecutor, and attorney for children, parents and the state in the child welfare court. I’ve seen a very great deal and been very extensively and well educated by professionals in all the relevant areas that pertain to this case.

Kitty and Jose Menendez were horrible abusers, nobody should be defending them in any respect. Yes it is equally awful abuse to be fully aware your children are being raped and to do nothing to protect them - never mind the other psychological abuse that was inflicted by the domestic abuse in the family system which is corroborated by Jose’s own family - they all know he was a bastard to his wife and kids.

At the same time the two sons can be spoiled entitled etc. and of course there is every possibility that they have disordered personalities because they’ve been raped by their own father for many years and cruelly bullied by him as well. That is early childhood trauma people, of course they aren’t perfect people after going through the abuse and trauma they had no way to leave and no protection from.

People are reacting viscerally to the killing of parents which I get, but a great many of you are not applying reason to the total set of facts.

30+ years for a murder of tormentors committed by damaged boys whose brains were not fully developed seems like a reasonable place to begin considering if we really believe in the rehabilitation we preach. Their infractions have been very minor and their accomplishments in prison extensive, from everything I’ve read. They heard the concerns of the board and can address those concerns and if the board is honest they will reward them next time they are considered for release assuming the record shows they’ve made the progress requested.

Charles Manson was horribly abused in childhood. Did you think he should be released, too?

Did you mature at all between the ages of 18/21 and the age of 34?

Are you at all familiar with neuroscience studies into human brain development? Very interesting science, which has transformed our understanding of human behavior with implications across disciplines, but especially for the criminal justice system.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it hard to read the "I don't think they were abused" or "it wasn't because of the abuse" comments, after reading details about the abuse that are too specific to reasonably be made up. The details sound credible and horrific. It was extremely frequent. There was "nice" sexual abuse and "bad" sexual abuse, depending on whether they were being punished vs "rewarded" for something. The kid snapped after they told him he couldn't leave for college, which he'd been holding out as his escape from the lifelong abuse. The mother actively enabled it. I find it entirely feasible that they were that desperate and angry and terrified, all of the things. It's not an excuse by any means, and it also doesn't mean they're good people (don't know them from spam), but I do believe that's what happened.

+1

I didn’t read the whole thread but this comment resonates. My perspective is from decades of work as a DV advocate, defense attorney and prosecutor, and attorney for children, parents and the state in the child welfare court. I’ve seen a very great deal and been very extensively and well educated by professionals in all the relevant areas that pertain to this case.

Kitty and Jose Menendez were horrible abusers, nobody should be defending them in any respect. Yes it is equally awful abuse to be fully aware your children are being raped and to do nothing to protect them - never mind the other psychological abuse that was inflicted by the domestic abuse in the family system which is corroborated by Jose’s own family - they all know he was a bastard to his wife and kids.

At the same time the two sons can be spoiled entitled etc. and of course there is every possibility that they have disordered personalities because they’ve been raped by their own father for many years and cruelly bullied by him as well. That is early childhood trauma people, of course they aren’t perfect people after going through the abuse and trauma they had no way to leave and no protection from.

People are reacting viscerally to the killing of parents which I get, but a great many of you are not applying reason to the total set of facts.

30+ years for a murder of tormentors committed by damaged boys whose brains were not fully developed seems like a reasonable place to begin considering if we really believe in the rehabilitation we preach. Their infractions have been very minor and their accomplishments in prison extensive, from everything I’ve read. They heard the concerns of the board and can address those concerns and if the board is honest they will reward them next time they are considered for release assuming the record shows they’ve made the progress requested.

Charles Manson was horribly abused in childhood. Did you think he should be released, too?

Did you mature at all between the ages of 18/21 and the age of 34?

Are you at all familiar with neuroscience studies into human brain development? Very interesting science, which has transformed our understanding of human behavior with implications across disciplines, but especially for the criminal justice system.

Blah. Blah. Blah. Some people are damaged with their genetic makeup and the environment in which they were raised. We all mature; but we don't all murder, rape, assault, and engage in other violent acts before we mature. And we don't murder two people and then go on a million dollar shopping spree. We're not all sociopaths.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it hard to read the "I don't think they were abused" or "it wasn't because of the abuse" comments, after reading details about the abuse that are too specific to reasonably be made up. The details sound credible and horrific. It was extremely frequent. There was "nice" sexual abuse and "bad" sexual abuse, depending on whether they were being punished vs "rewarded" for something. The kid snapped after they told him he couldn't leave for college, which he'd been holding out as his escape from the lifelong abuse. The mother actively enabled it. I find it entirely feasible that they were that desperate and angry and terrified, all of the things. It's not an excuse by any means, and it also doesn't mean they're good people (don't know them from spam), but I do believe that's what happened.

+1

I didn’t read the whole thread but this comment resonates. My perspective is from decades of work as a DV advocate, defense attorney and prosecutor, and attorney for children, parents and the state in the child welfare court. I’ve seen a very great deal and been very extensively and well educated by professionals in all the relevant areas that pertain to this case.

Kitty and Jose Menendez were horrible abusers, nobody should be defending them in any respect. Yes it is equally awful abuse to be fully aware your children are being raped and to do nothing to protect them - never mind the other psychological abuse that was inflicted by the domestic abuse in the family system which is corroborated by Jose’s own family - they all know he was a bastard to his wife and kids.

At the same time the two sons can be spoiled entitled etc. and of course there is every possibility that they have disordered personalities because they’ve been raped by their own father for many years and cruelly bullied by him as well. That is early childhood trauma people, of course they aren’t perfect people after going through the abuse and trauma they had no way to leave and no protection from.

People are reacting viscerally to the killing of parents which I get, but a great many of you are not applying reason to the total set of facts.

30+ years for a murder of tormentors committed by damaged boys whose brains were not fully developed seems like a reasonable place to begin considering if we really believe in the rehabilitation we preach. Their infractions have been very minor and their accomplishments in prison extensive, from everything I’ve read. They heard the concerns of the board and can address those concerns and if the board is honest they will reward them next time they are considered for release assuming the record shows they’ve made the progress requested.

Charles Manson was horribly abused in childhood. Did you think he should be released, too?

Did you mature at all between the ages of 18/21 and the age of 34?

Are you at all familiar with neuroscience studies into human brain development? Very interesting science, which has transformed our understanding of human behavior with implications across disciplines, but especially for the criminal justice system.

This wasn’t just a bad decision. It was a cold, callous, brutal execution so they could live like kings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it hard to read the "I don't think they were abused" or "it wasn't because of the abuse" comments, after reading details about the abuse that are too specific to reasonably be made up. The details sound credible and horrific. It was extremely frequent. There was "nice" sexual abuse and "bad" sexual abuse, depending on whether they were being punished vs "rewarded" for something. The kid snapped after they told him he couldn't leave for college, which he'd been holding out as his escape from the lifelong abuse. The mother actively enabled it. I find it entirely feasible that they were that desperate and angry and terrified, all of the things. It's not an excuse by any means, and it also doesn't mean they're good people (don't know them from spam), but I do believe that's what happened.

+1

I didn’t read the whole thread but this comment resonates. My perspective is from decades of work as a DV advocate, defense attorney and prosecutor, and attorney for children, parents and the state in the child welfare court. I’ve seen a very great deal and been very extensively and well educated by professionals in all the relevant areas that pertain to this case.

Kitty and Jose Menendez were horrible abusers, nobody should be defending them in any respect. Yes it is equally awful abuse to be fully aware your children are being raped and to do nothing to protect them - never mind the other psychological abuse that was inflicted by the domestic abuse in the family system which is corroborated by Jose’s own family - they all know he was a bastard to his wife and kids.

At the same time the two sons can be spoiled entitled etc. and of course there is every possibility that they have disordered personalities because they’ve been raped by their own father for many years and cruelly bullied by him as well. That is early childhood trauma people, of course they aren’t perfect people after going through the abuse and trauma they had no way to leave and no protection from.

People are reacting viscerally to the killing of parents which I get, but a great many of you are not applying reason to the total set of facts.

30+ years for a murder of tormentors committed by damaged boys whose brains were not fully developed seems like a reasonable place to begin considering if we really believe in the rehabilitation we preach. Their infractions have been very minor and their accomplishments in prison extensive, from everything I’ve read. They heard the concerns of the board and can address those concerns and if the board is honest they will reward them next time they are considered for release assuming the record shows they’ve made the progress requested.

Charles Manson was horribly abused in childhood. Did you think he should be released, too?

Charles Manson is dead, poster. Do keep up.

Please note the words "did you think."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it hard to read the "I don't think they were abused" or "it wasn't because of the abuse" comments, after reading details about the abuse that are too specific to reasonably be made up. The details sound credible and horrific. It was extremely frequent. There was "nice" sexual abuse and "bad" sexual abuse, depending on whether they were being punished vs "rewarded" for something. The kid snapped after they told him he couldn't leave for college, which he'd been holding out as his escape from the lifelong abuse. The mother actively enabled it. I find it entirely feasible that they were that desperate and angry and terrified, all of the things. It's not an excuse by any means, and it also doesn't mean they're good people (don't know them from spam), but I do believe that's what happened.

+1

I didn’t read the whole thread but this comment resonates. My perspective is from decades of work as a DV advocate, defense attorney and prosecutor, and attorney for children, parents and the state in the child welfare court. I’ve seen a very great deal and been very extensively and well educated by professionals in all the relevant areas that pertain to this case.

Kitty and Jose Menendez were horrible abusers, nobody should be defending them in any respect. Yes it is equally awful abuse to be fully aware your children are being raped and to do nothing to protect them - never mind the other psychological abuse that was inflicted by the domestic abuse in the family system which is corroborated by Jose’s own family - they all know he was a bastard to his wife and kids.

At the same time the two sons can be spoiled entitled etc. and of course there is every possibility that they have disordered personalities because they’ve been raped by their own father for many years and cruelly bullied by him as well. That is early childhood trauma people, of course they aren’t perfect people after going through the abuse and trauma they had no way to leave and no protection from.

People are reacting viscerally to the killing of parents which I get, but a great many of you are not applying reason to the total set of facts.

30+ years for a murder of tormentors committed by damaged boys whose brains were not fully developed seems like a reasonable place to begin considering if we really believe in the rehabilitation we preach. Their infractions have been very minor and their accomplishments in prison extensive, from everything I’ve read. They heard the concerns of the board and can address those concerns and if the board is honest they will reward them next time they are considered for release assuming the record shows they’ve made the progress requested.

Charles Manson was horribly abused in childhood. Did you think he should be released, too?

Did you mature at all between the ages of 18/21 and the age of 34?

Are you at all familiar with neuroscience studies into human brain development? Very interesting science, which has transformed our understanding of human behavior with implications across disciplines, but especially for the criminal justice system.

This wasn’t just a bad decision. It was a cold, callous, brutal execution so they could live like kings.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are claiming they didn’t follow the prison rules (like smuggling in a contraband, unpermitted cellular phone) due to being afraid their private conversations via the prison phone calls would be leaked to the media.

Erik stated during his parole hearing that at the time when he broke the jail rules, he was under the impression that he was never getting out so…..!

They always have an answer, an excuse for everything they do.
Their justifications carry zero logic too.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it hard to read the "I don't think they were abused" or "it wasn't because of the abuse" comments, after reading details about the abuse that are too specific to reasonably be made up. The details sound credible and horrific. It was extremely frequent. There was "nice" sexual abuse and "bad" sexual abuse, depending on whether they were being punished vs "rewarded" for something. The kid snapped after they told him he couldn't leave for college, which he'd been holding out as his escape from the lifelong abuse. The mother actively enabled it. I find it entirely feasible that they were that desperate and angry and terrified, all of the things. It's not an excuse by any means, and it also doesn't mean they're good people (don't know them from spam), but I do believe that's what happened.

+1

I didn’t read the whole thread but this comment resonates. My perspective is from decades of work as a DV advocate, defense attorney and prosecutor, and attorney for children, parents and the state in the child welfare court. I’ve seen a very great deal and been very extensively and well educated by professionals in all the relevant areas that pertain to this case.

Kitty and Jose Menendez were horrible abusers, nobody should be defending them in any respect. Yes it is equally awful abuse to be fully aware your children are being raped and to do nothing to protect them - never mind the other psychological abuse that was inflicted by the domestic abuse in the family system which is corroborated by Jose’s own family - they all know he was a bastard to his wife and kids.

At the same time the two sons can be spoiled entitled etc. and of course there is every possibility that they have disordered personalities because they’ve been raped by their own father for many years and cruelly bullied by him as well. That is early childhood trauma people, of course they aren’t perfect people after going through the abuse and trauma they had no way to leave and no protection from.

People are reacting viscerally to the killing of parents which I get, but a great many of you are not applying reason to the total set of facts.

30+ years for a murder of tormentors committed by damaged boys whose brains were not fully developed seems like a reasonable place to begin considering if we really believe in the rehabilitation we preach. Their infractions have been very minor and their accomplishments in prison extensive, from everything I’ve read. They heard the concerns of the board and can address those concerns and if the board is honest they will reward them next time they are considered for release assuming the record shows they’ve made the progress requested.

Charles Manson was horribly abused in childhood. Did you think he should be released, too?

Yes he should be released. He can’t do any more harm at this point

Context matters here,
DID you think was pertaining to when Manson was actually alive -> not meaning now in the present tense since we all know he is deceased at this time.

You do realize he did not actually kill anyone right? These 2 did.

He orchestrated, planned, encouraged multiple brutal murders involving torture.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find it hard to read the "I don't think they were abused" or "it wasn't because of the abuse" comments, after reading details about the abuse that are too specific to reasonably be made up. The details sound credible and horrific. It was extremely frequent. There was "nice" sexual abuse and "bad" sexual abuse, depending on whether they were being punished vs "rewarded" for something. The kid snapped after they told him he couldn't leave for college, which he'd been holding out as his escape from the lifelong abuse. The mother actively enabled it. I find it entirely feasible that they were that desperate and angry and terrified, all of the things. It's not an excuse by any means, and it also doesn't mean they're good people (don't know them from spam), but I do believe that's what happened.

+1

I didn’t read the whole thread but this comment resonates. My perspective is from decades of work as a DV advocate, defense attorney and prosecutor, and attorney for children, parents and the state in the child welfare court. I’ve seen a very great deal and been very extensively and well educated by professionals in all the relevant areas that pertain to this case.

Kitty and Jose Menendez were horrible abusers, nobody should be defending them in any respect. Yes it is equally awful abuse to be fully aware your children are being raped and to do nothing to protect them - never mind the other psychological abuse that was inflicted by the domestic abuse in the family system which is corroborated by Jose’s own family - they all know he was a bastard to his wife and kids.

At the same time the two sons can be spoiled entitled etc. and of course there is every possibility that they have disordered personalities because they’ve been raped by their own father for many years and cruelly bullied by him as well. That is early childhood trauma people, of course they aren’t perfect people after going through the abuse and trauma they had no way to leave and no protection from.

People are reacting viscerally to the killing of parents which I get, but a great many of you are not applying reason to the total set of facts.

30+ years for a murder of tormentors committed by damaged boys whose brains were not fully developed seems like a reasonable place to begin considering if we really believe in the rehabilitation we preach. Their infractions have been very minor and their accomplishments in prison extensive, from everything I’ve read. They heard the concerns of the board and can address those concerns and if the board is honest they will reward them next time they are considered for release assuming the record shows they’ve made the progress requested.

Charles Manson was horribly abused in childhood. Did you think he should be released, too?

Yes he should be released. He can’t do any more harm at this point

Context matters here,
DID you think was pertaining to when Manson was actually alive -> not meaning now in the present tense since we all know he is deceased at this time.

+1 Thank you

[Anonymous]

I don’t think they have served enough time.
Yet.

Brutally murdering two human beings in an execution-style shoot out is a very brutal crime.

Even if they were molested/abused, they were full grown men at the time….men who were able-bodied to walk away and live on their own.

They certainly had other options, they were simply greedy as evidenced by how much cash they squandered after they received their inheritance.
Rolodexes? Sports car??
I remember seeing them on the news shortly after they were even arrested, my god they were acting so damn cocky and full of themselves even then.
They acted like spoiled rich brats in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's a new A&E series that Eric participated in, and I find it very compelling. He says that he and his brother honestly thought their dad was going to kill them when they plotted out and killed the parents. He said he had broken down and told Lyle about what his dad had been doing to him--and still was, and Lyle had confronted the father. He said this had never happened before, and the dad was making very threatening overtures, and they were legitimately scared to death of him.

While I don't feel like it excuses murder, I feel like the boys got screwed on their retrial by a judge with political motivations for ensuring they were convicted. I think they should have the possibility of parole. Hell, their whole family save maybe one uncle supported the boys even at the time of trial. A very sad case.

During their initial (first) trial, sexual allegations against their father was not introduced and there was a mistrial.
During the second trial the abuse allegations were introduced and there was hardly a dry eye in the courtroom I assume.

However these two had no record of ever disclosing the abuse to anyone - except one cousin who one of them had written a letter to months before.
Of course now we also know that a former Menudo member alleges that the father sexually abused him.

These two things are not enough evidence imo to free these two sociopaths from prison.
Because anyone can say they were abused.
And the letter that was written months before the parent’s murder could have been part of the brother’s strategic murder plan.
After all it appears they orchestrated this killing as evidenced by driving to SD to obtain the guns.

If they truly were fearful that their father planned on killing them that fateful night all they had to do was not return home.

They already had a car that they had used to leave the house that evening.

[Anonymous]

Greedy spoiled sociopaths!