Featured Image Credit: Kim Kulish/Sygma via Getty Images/MIKE NELSON/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: US News, News, Menendez Brothers, Netflix
Kya Buller
Topics: US News, News, Menendez Brothers, Netflix
Amid the news of the Lyle and Erik Menendez case receiving a new hearing, Erik's daughter has made an emotional statement.
The case of the Menendez brothers has undergone a resurgence of interest as a result of the Netflix drama series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.
Despite being slammed by Erik for 'inaccuracies', it has succeeded in teaching people about the case - with many stating the brothers should be released, having now served almost 35 years behind bars.
In 1996, the Menendez brothers pleaded guilty to murdering their parents, José and Kitty Menendez.
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They were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, narrowly avoiding the death penalty.
At the time of the double homicide, 1989, Lyle and Erik were aged just 18 and 21, respectively.
While in prison, Erik married his now-wife Tammi Menendez and embraced her daughter as his own.
Tammi's daughter, Talia, met Erik when she was a young girl, and now advocates for her 'Earth Dad' to be released via her Instagram page, @seterikmenendezfree.
Talia has made an emotional statement following the news of a forthcoming hearing.
She wrote on social media: "We truly value the support we've received following the District Attorney's statement. We hold onto hope that this November will bring the resolution we have all been wishing for.
"This is a difficult time for my family, and we would deeply appreciate your ongoing prayers as we await their official response.
"Thank you for standing by us.
"Set them free."
People have been calling for a retrial as the brothers have maintained that the murders took place in self-defence from suffering emotional, physical, and sexual abuse at the hands of José - while Kitty allegedly knew, but did nothing to protect them.
Lyle has stated he was abused between the ages of six and eight, while Erik says he was abused from the age of six to 18.
According to their testimony, When Lyle learned what Erik was going through, he confronted their father and ultimately believed José would kill them to keep the abuse a secret.
The prosecution argued it was a cash grab to inherit their wealthy father's estate, and when a judge ruled that the abuse defence was inadmissable in their second trial following a deadlocked jury, they were given life sentences.
Previous attempts to appeal the decision have failed, but with new evidence supporting their claims of abuse having now surfaced, the brothers have been given a date for a new hearing - 29 November.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.