The Menendez brothers’ fight for freedom continues to gain support from family members—this time from someone who’s remained silent for decades.
Terry Baralt, sister of the late Jose Menendez and aunt to Lyle and Erik Menendez, broke her silence in an emotional interview with ABC News. Sitting alongside seven other relatives, she voiced unwavering support for her nephews’ release after more than 30 years in prison.
“They are like the boys I didn’t have,” Baralt, now 85 and battling colon cancer, said tearfully. “Thirty-five years is a long time. It’s time.”
Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in 1989. The brothers, who were 21 and 18 at the time, have spent their lives behind bars. Now, their legal team is seeking a resentencing hearing based on abuse claims and rehabilitation efforts.
Baralt said she’s afraid she may not live to see the outcome of the case. “I just go visit them and cry when I leave,” she said. “There’s nothing I can do but hope.”
A hearing is underway Friday to determine whether Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman can withdraw a resentencing motion originally filed by his predecessor, George Gascón. Gascón supported a reduced sentence of 50 years to life, which would make the brothers immediately eligible for parole.
Hochman, however, insists the brothers have never taken full responsibility and continues to call their claims of childhood abuse “lies.” Unless they admit to the full extent of their crimes, he says, resentencing isn’t justified.
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The Menendez family strongly disagrees. Over 20 relatives have voiced support, citing the brothers’ remorse, rehabilitation, and years spent mentoring fellow inmates.
In a message shared through a cousin, Erik Menendez said he and Lyle are “deeply sorry” for what they did. “They are filled with remorse,” said cousin Diane VanderMolen. “And through that, they’ve become pretty remarkable people.”
The brothers have three potential paths to freedom: resentencing, clemency from Governor Gavin Newsom, or a habeas corpus petition based on new evidence.
