In a surprising turn of events, Joan VanderMolen, the sister of Kitty Menendez, offered a rare and candid interview in support of Erik and Lyle Menendez, thrusting the case of the Menendez brothers back into the spotlight.
The brothers, convicted in 1996 for the brutal murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, have long argued that their actions stemmed from fear and desperation, citing years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of their father. Now, with newly discovered evidence and a renewed push for justice, VanderMolen is speaking out to defend her nephews and shed light on the family’s complex dynamics.
“They didn’t deserve any of this,” VanderMolen told Vanity Fair. VanderMolen said, “There seems to be no end to the use and abuse of them.”
Their uncle Milton, who has publicly dismissed the allegations of abuse, stands in stark contrast to the 92-year-old aunt’s unwavering support for Erik and Lyle. When addressing her brother’s position, VanderMolen didn’t hold back, calling him “a real asshole” and expressing her inability to continue speaking with him.
One of the most shocking revelations from VanderMolen’s interview was her firsthand account of the trauma Erik Menendez endured as a child. She recounted a disturbing incident from a family visit when Erik, as a young boy, refused to eat a meal without the presence of a lemon—a habit that VanderMolen attributes to the alleged sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of his father.
“We went to visit my dad, who lived in Texas. Kitty, along with her boys, made the trip to visit him. “And Erik showed my dad something he’d never seen before,” VanderMolen said. “Erik simply refused to eat unless he had a lemon,” VanderMolen said. My dad struggled to understand the root of the issue. No matter what my dad did or said, the situation remained the same: he needed a lemon. And it turns out that he was being assaulted by his dad, and I don’t know how to phrase it other than by being vulgar, but it would cum in his mouth and make Erik swallow it.”
VanderMolen’s revelations add a new layer of complexity to the Menendez case, which has captivated the public’s attention for over three decades. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, her unwavering support for her nephews demonstrates the enduring power of family and the belief that justice, albeit sometimes long-delayed, remains achievable.
The recent announcement that Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón will review the Menendez brothers’ case has reignited hope for a potential resentencing or even exoneration. VanderMolen, along with the brothers’ supporters, are cautiously optimistic that this latest development could finally lead to the resolution they’ve been seeking.
“We truly value the support we’ve received following the District Attorney’s statement,” Tammi Menendez, Erik’s wife, wrote on social media. “We hold onto hope that this November will bring the resolution we have all been wishing for. We would deeply appreciate your ongoing prayers as we await their official response.”
As the Menendez brothers case continues to evolve, the powerful words of Kitty’s sister serve as a poignant reminder that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, the bonds of family can still offer a glimmer of hope. This new momentum may be the breakthrough Erik and Lyle’s innocence supporters have been waiting for.