Los Angeles

Cooper Koch, who recently played Erik Menendez in the Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story helmed by Ryan Murphy, has spoken out in support of the Menendez brothers after visiting them in prison. Koch described the brothers as "upstanding individuals" during his visit to the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility near San Diego. He was accompanied by Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, and Kris Jenner. 

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Koch told Variety that when he first met Erik, they "immediately embraced" and shared a kind connection. He also met Lyle and said he was grateful to be in the presence of both brothers. The visit took place on Saturday (September 21).

The Menendez brothers came into the spotlight in 1989 after they shot and killed their parents Jose and Kitty Menendez in their Beverly Hills home. They claimed the killings were in response to years of sexual abuse by their father, which their mother ignored. However, authorities believed their motive was greed, noting their lavish spending right after the murders.

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In 1996, Lyle and Erik were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Their first trial ended in a deadlock, which is basically when the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision.

Koch believes the brothers deserve a new trial. He explained that back then it was difficult for people to understand that male-on-male sexual abuse could occur, especially between a father and son. He argued that today, with more knowledge of child abuse, the brothers' case should be reconsidered.

After the series premiere, Erik Menendez took to social media to criticise it, calling Monsters "rooted in horrible and blatant lies." He accused Ryan Murphy of knowingly sharing false information about his and Lyle’s lives.

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Koch said he discussed Erik’s feelings about the show during the prison visit. He also noted how difficult it must be to have such a traumatic event in their lives portrayed on TV.

Koch also shared that the Menendez brothers have been doing positive work in prison. Erik teaches meditation and speech classes and both brothers are involved in the Greenspace project to improve the prison grounds.