Cooper Koch breaks silence on Menendez Brothers’ resentencing
The fictional Erik Menendez is weighing in on the real case.
Cooper Koch, 28, who starred as Erik on the hit Netflix show “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” took to Instagram to share his thoughts about the new development in their case.
On Thursday, Kock wrote via his brother Payton Koch’s Instagram Story, “I am overwhelmed with gratitude and hope for the progress we’ve seen today.”
The actor added, “Gascón’s recommendation has ignited a renewed sense of possibility that Lyle and Erik could finally be released after decades behind bars.”
Koch was referring to the announcement on Thursday that Lyle, 56, and Erik, 53, will be resentenced after spending more than 30 years behind bars for the 1989 shotgun murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty.
The case captivated the nation and spawned the Netflix series more than three decades later.
At the time of their conviction, the brothers were given life sentences without the possibility of parole.
The brothers claimed that Jose sexually abused them as their mother stood by in silence. Roy Rosselló of the boy band Menudo made similar claims against Jose in the years after they were convicted.
Erik and Lyle maintained the dual killings, which they have admitted to carrying out, were in self-defense. They claim their parents would have killed them to stop them from exposing their father.
On Thursday, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón announced that the brothers will be resentenced — and his office will recommend to the court that the killer siblings be eligible for parole.
The final decision will be left to a judge. But Gascón said the brothers have been on “a journey of redemption and rehabilitation” and had “paid their debt to society,” both for the time they’ve served and all they’ve done to improve the lives of others while in prison.
Koch added, “But, this journey is not over. There are still critical steps ahead: the judge must endorse the resentencing, and, if that happens, the parole board must recognize the time they have served as fitting for the crime. Our voices, our unwavering support, remain crucial—not just for the brothers to ensure their release, but also for every victim of sexual abuse fighting to be heard. I hope to see Erik and Lyle soon. Free from all of this.”
The brothers criticized the show “Monsters,” insisting it is “horrible” and “filled with blatant lies,” especially objecting to scenes that hint the brothers had an incestuous relationship.
Murphy responded that he believes that the show is “the best thing that has happened to the Menendez brothers in 30 years.”
The TV creator and producer continued, “They are now being talked about by millions of people all over the world. “[The show is] asking people to answer the questions, ‘Should they get a new trial? Should they be let out of jail? What happens in our society? Should people be locked away for life? Is there no chance ever at rehabilitation?’”
Kim Kardashian also got involved in the campaign to free the brothers, with the reality TV star posting about it on her Instagram story.
“To the brothers’ family, friends, and millions who have been vocal supporters — your voices were heard,” Kardashian wrote on Thursday.
She added, “The media’s focus, especially on the heels of Ryan Murphy’s TV show, helped expose the abuse and injustices in their case. Society’s understanding of child abuse has evolved, and social media empowers us to question the system in place. This case highlights the importance of challenging decisions and seeking truth, even when guilt is not in question.”
