The case of Lyle and Erik Menendez is one of the most notorious and divisive criminal cases in American history. Both of them are currently serving life sentences without parole for the 1989 murder of their parents, Jose and Mary Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion. The trial began in 1993 and after three years in 1996, both were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

This case has polarized public opinion, with one group believing the brothers should remain in prison for the rest of their lives. At the same time, another argues for their release, citing the complex and troubled circumstances of their upbringing. Among the latter group is TV personality Kim Kardashian, who, as part of her ongoing prison reform advocacy, has publicly supported the release of the Menendez brothers. She recently shared a lengthy post on her Instagram asking for the release of the Menedez brothers and it looks like she has gotten the support of Mike Tyson‘s daughter, Milan Tyson.

Mike Tyson’s daughter supports Kim Kardashian’s call for justice

A few days ago, the ‘Keeping It Up With Kardashians’ star penned an opinion piece for NBC News advocating for the brothers’ release. She had visited the California State prison where the Menendez brothers are being held and highlighted their exemplary behavior during incarceration. In the article, Kim Kardashian detailed how today they have “exemplary disciplinary records”, that “they have earned multiple college degrees, worked as caregivers for elderly incarcerated individuals in hospice, and been mentors in college programs,” and are committed to giving back to the small world they are living in right now.

Kim Kardashian also criticized the portrayal of the brothers during their trial, claiming that the media painted them as villains from the start, denying them a fair trial. In the article, she even shared a conversation with a warden who stated how “he would feel comfortable having them as neighbors,” emphasizing their rehabilitation.

She then shared an excerpt of the article in an Instagram post and wrote, “We are all products of our experiences. They shape who we were, who we are, and who we will be,” arguing that even if the brothers were guilty, they have transformed their lives and deserve a second chance.

Kim Kardashian found support from Mike Tyson’s daughter, Milan Tyson, as the latter shared the image from the post on her Instagram story, signaling her agreement with the cause.

For over 30 years, the Menendez brothers’ case has remained a dark chapter in American legal history. The infamous crime even inspired a nine-episode Netflix series released in September 2024, titled, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” which quickly became the platform’s most-watched show for two consecutive weeks. The series revived public interest in the case and brought back discussions about whether the brothers’ sentences were just.

The Menendez Brothers’ Story

Lyle and Erik Menendez lived a luxurious life in their Beverly Hills mansion. Their father was a Cuban-Businessman and their mother was a former schoolteacher. But things were not as good as they looked from the outside, as the brothers later alleged that they endured years of abuse at the hands of their parents.

After the gruesome 1989 murders of their parents, the brothers became a suspect when in 1990 Erik Menendez confessed to his parents’ murder during a session with his psychologist, Dr. Jerome Oziel. Oziel later confided in his mistress, who, after their breakup, decided to inform the police about the brothers’ involvement. This led to their arrest. The trial, which began in 1993, became a national sensation due to the shocking details of the case.

The ensuing trial captivated the nation, with its sensational mix of wealth, violence, and family secrets. The Menendez brothers claimed they acted in self-defense, stating that years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse drove them to kill their parents. However, the prosecution argued that greed was the true motive, as the brothers stood to inherit their parents’ substantial fortune.

The first two trials ended in mistrials, but during the 1995 retrial, media pressure and a stronger case from the prosecution led to their conviction. Both brothers were found guilty of first-degree murder and have been behind bars ever since. They have exhausted their appeals and remain in prison, despite ongoing debates about the fairness of their trial and the nature of their crime.

Do you agree with Kim Kardashian and Milan Tyson? Should the Menendez brothers be released after serving over 30 years in prison? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!