“MONSTERS: The Lyle and Eric Menendez Story” star Cooper Koch is reacting to the Los Angeles district attorney’s announcement Thursday afternoon that he will seek criminal charges against the brothers.
The brothers were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989 and have been serving life sentences without the possibility of parole since 1996.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and hope for what we have accomplished today,” said Koch, who plays Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan in the Netflix series. “Gascon's recommendation sparked a new idea that Lyle and Eric could be freed after decades behind bars. However, this journey is far from over.
“There are still important steps ahead: a judge must approve the sentence, and if that happens, the parole board must recognize the sentence served for the crime,” the statement said. “Our voice, our unwavering support, remains essential not only to guarantee the release of the brothers, but also for each combatant who is a victim of sexual violence. I hope Eric and Lyle can be free of all this soon.”
Koch had no contact with Eric during production or filming of the series. They spoke on the phone for the first time the night before Monsters premiered on Netflix. A few days later, he visited the brothers with Kim Kardashian to talk about prison reform.
Kardashian made a statement on Instagram.
“Society's understanding of child abuse has evolved and social media allows us to question the existing system,” she wrote in part. “This case highlights the importance of questioning decisions and seeking the truth, even when there is no doubt about guilt.”
He also wrote: “George Gascón, thank you for reviewing the case of the Menéndez brothers and correcting a serious error. Your commitment to truth and justice is commendable. To the brother's family, friends and the millions of people who supported him: your voice has been heard. Media attention, particularly on Ryan Murphy's television show, helped expose abuses and injustices in his work.'
Murphy has not yet commented on Gascon's announcement, but was previously quoted as saying Diversity“We gave them their moment in the court of public opinion. Basically, we gave them a platform. I think they'll be out of jail by Christmas. “I really believe it.”
