Reality television star and criminal justice advocate, Kim Kardashian has once again set the world abuzz with the controversy this time of involving herself in the infamous case of Menendez Brothers. Kim Kardashian went to see Lyle and Erik Menendez in jail then wrote an eloquent and impassioned essay penned for the twosome’s release and strong enough to whip up new debate over their 1996 conviction for the murder of their parents: The Menendez Brothers: A Blurred Story.
Almost three decades ago, in 1989, America became gripped by a national fascination with sensational news over the brutal murders of two brothers, aged 18 and 21 years, who had killed their wealthy parents in their mansion in Beverly Hills. Erik and Lyle Menendez were eventually found guilty in 1996 following two lengthy trials and received sentences of life without the possibility of parole for the murder of José and Kitty Menendez.
Their lawyers released that, at the time, the brothers had suffered sexual, physical, and emotional abuse to which their parents were the perpetrators. It was this past history of trauma that made them believe violence was the only way out of the nightmare that was the semblance of their life. The brothers were sentenced to prison; years went by, and no change had come in their situation.
Kim Kardashian Advocating
Kim Kardashian isn’t new to speaking out about criminal justice reform, but in an essay for NBC News, she really went there and asked for a more sensible sentence for the Menendez brothers. She said: “Now, I know that many people believe that Lyle and Erik were punished sufficiently by the conviction and should rot in prison, but I really do.”.
“We are all products of our experiences. They shape who we were, who we are, and who we will be. Physiologically and psychologically, time changes us, and I doubt anyone would claim to be the same person they were at 18. I know I’m not.”
Kardashian testified to their rehabilitation saying that they are “very good inmates.” She said the brothers were not those who committed the murders at the time. Both Erik and Lyle have earned multiple college degrees, served as mentors in prison programs, and worked as caregivers for elderly inmates in hospice.
The most striking point came from her recent visit with the brothers, as a warden at the prison mentioned that he would be comfortable with having them as neighbors, said Kardashian .
A Renewed Push for Freedom
The essay by Kardashian is also appropriately timed, as it comes within weeks of a report indicating the Los Angeles prosecutors are reviewing evidence in the case of brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez. Their lawyers are claiming new evidence to request that a court vacate their conviction.
But also support to Kardashian’s plea for a review comes from 24 family members on both sides of the parents who have publicly sought that the judicial system review their continued imprisonment.
Public Response and the Role of True Crime Media
However, partly thanks to a new Netflix true-crime series “Monsters,” which was released in late September, renewed interest in the case has been fed. Many discussions related to criminal justice and, more specifically, the reopening of past cases are sparked, especially the ones in which new evidence or changes in the societal perspectives on trauma and abuse shine a new light in the light of new developments.
As Kardashian fights to clear her sisters’ names, reactions have ranged from shock to outrage. Some view the advocacy by Kardashian as a measure of the growing public awareness that there is more to abuse and rehabilitation concerns than just talk; others are less than optimistic, reflecting on the brutal nature of murders that shocked the nation back decades ago.
Conclusion
Kim Kardashian’s involvement in the case of the Menendez brothers really underlines her continued commitment to criminal justice reform. Her essay really does highlight the complexity of the brothers’ story and put into perspective the importance of rehabilitation when holding up long-standing sentences for consideration. Their chances are still unknown, but this most certainly has reignited a much-needed national conversation on justice, abuse, and second chances.
As new evidence comes forward and the public’s opinion changes, so do the futures of Erik and Lyle Menendez this time around with help coming from an unlikely source: Kardashian.
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