Menendez Brothers' Lawyer Considers Security After Family Mobbed at Court Hearing.

A large crowd gathered for the first court hearing of the Menendez brothers on Monday, leading to such disorder that their legal team is considering hiring security.

Erik and Lyle Menendez may soon see their sentences reduced after being convicted of the 1989 murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose. Supporters, media, and live-streamers flocked to the Van Nuys Courthouse early in the morning. While only a select few journalists were permitted inside, 16 members of the public had the opportunity to enter a lottery for a chance to watch the brothers appear virtually.

Currently incarcerated at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility near San Diego, California, the brothers were set to appear via video link for the first time in nearly three decades. However, after over 20 minutes of technical issues, only the audio connection was functioning. Outgoing Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon advocated for a reduction in their sentences, with a hearing initially scheduled for December 11.

 

With District Attorney-elect Nathan Hochman taking office on December 2, Judge Michael Jesic decided to postpone the hearing to January 30 and 31 "out of respect for the new administration." The brothers' aunts, 85-year-old Terry Baralt and 92-year-old Joan Andersen VanderMolen, made heartfelt appeals to the judge before stepping outside to speak to the public alongside the brothers' attorney, Mark Geragos. Despite the presence of some police officers, there was a lack of security to manage the crowd, which surged forward in an attempt to reach the elderly relatives. Geragos described the hearing as a "moving experience" but expressed dissatisfaction with the courthouse conditions. "I do want them home. They never should have been in such situations," VanderMolen stated outside the courthouse.

Joan VanderMolen speaks to the media outside the courthouse

The elderly family members were observed having difficulty navigating through the crowds and were subsequently overwhelmed as they were guided away from the scene. Holly Baird, a representative for the brothers' attorney Mark Geragos, recently expressed their dissatisfaction with the "lack of professionalism." "We're likely going to need to hire security," she mentioned, noting that the earlier press conference in Downtown Los Angeles felt "scary."

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"The courts won't assist us since it's not their responsibility, so we may have to bring in our own security personnel." She pointed out that many content creators are accustomed to a "paparazzi style" of journalism, which led to them getting too close, something that was "not appropriate" when it comes to elderly family members.

Mega Case

This was one of the most significant court hearings to draw attention in years in Los Angeles, attracting media from various international outlets, TikTokers, YouTubers, and supporters who traveled from afar. Talia Menendez, Erik's daughter, shared her thoughts on the hearing afterward, stating that the result is "one step forward in securing [Erik and Lyle's] freedom." "I want to give an update on the court hearing our family attended today," Talia posted in an Instagram Story.

menendez brothers 2023

Erik and Lyle Menendez

Judge Jesic has informed us that both the court and the District Attorney need additional time to come to a decision. "Although this isn't the result we were hoping for, we still believe it’s a step in the right direction towards securing their freedom. "Our family stands together in this fight and is determined to bring them home so we can celebrate the upcoming holidays together."

Related: Menendez Brothers Timeline of Events

Talia added, "We are incredibly thankful for your ongoing prayers and support, which are more crucial now than ever. "While I wish I had more uplifting news to share, we appreciate the chance to continue advocating for Erik and Lyle's freedom. "Thank you to all the wonderful supporters I met today and everyone sending their good wishes. We are united in this cause."

Talia Menendez is the stepdaughter of Erik Menendez,

Talia Menendez is the stepdaughter of Erik Menendez,

Lyle's Relationship

In the midst of support for the brothers, the status hearing followed a surprising development in their quest for freedom. Lyle is now said to be in a relationship with a 21-year-old British student who has visited him at the correctional facility near San Diego. Milly Bucksey, a student at the University of Manchester, reportedly began her relationship with Lyle at the beginning of 2024.

The Menendez brothers’ hearing highlighted the intense public interest and challenges surrounding their case. While technical issues and crowd disruptions delayed proceedings, the decision to reschedule for January 30 and 31 allows the incoming District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, time to review the matter.

The brothers’ legal team remains hopeful for a favorable outcome, with Erik’s stepdaughter, Talia Menendez, calling the delay “a step forward” in their fight for freedom. As public support grows and new evidence is considered, the postponed hearing could prove pivotal in determining whether Erik and Lyle’s sentences will be reduced after nearly three decades of incarceration.

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