The performer portraying one of the Menendez siblings in a Netflix series centered around the true-crime murder of Jose and Kitty Menendez in 1989 expresses that he “stands in solidarity with” and “endorses” the brothers’ plea for a retrial.
Cooper Koch, who embodies Erik Menendez in Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story, stated to Sky News: “I completely support them and hope that the judicial system arrives at the correct conclusion.”
The siblings were found guilty of fatally shooting their father and mother, Jose and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, multiple times at close range within the confines of their family residence in Beverly Hills, California, on August 20, 1989. At that time, they were 21 and 18 years old.
In the course of their trial, the defense argued that the brothers committed the murders in self-defense following years of alleged physical, emotional, and sexual maltreatment.
Conversely, the prosecution asserted that greed was the underlying motive, alleging that the brothers eliminated their parents to prevent disinheritance.
Though an initial trial for both brothers separately concluded in a mistrial, a subsequent joint trial led to their conviction on charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, resulting in life sentences without the chance of parole.
The day after the Netflix series premiered, Erik Menendez released a harsh statement about the production through his wife Tammi, denouncing it as “deceitful” and “imprecise.”
In response to Erik’s criticism, Koch, who recently paid a visit to the brothers alongside Kim Kardashian, remarked: “I comprehend his perspective. It is profoundly challenging to have your life dramatized and reinterpreted in a Hollywood depiction of the most significant trauma of your life, one that has, in essence, shaped you.”
“I can only extend my sympathy and support to him. I truly understand.”
No ‘conflict’ with moral concerns
When differentiating between truth and fiction, the 28-year-old actor remarked: “I certainly perceive an ethical dilemma present. It’s not something I grappling with.”
“I made it my objective each day to remain true to [Erik] and his narrative, ensuring that I approached my role with integrity whilst continually analyzing testimonies and delving deeper into his experiences.”
He noted that having Erik’s own courtroom words facilitated his performance: “I don’t have to over-rely on my imagination. It’s as though he is narrating the events, and my task is simply to visualize what occurred and the accounts he provides on the stand.”
“In that regard, it simplifies the role… it’s as if you have a pre-established outline. There’s no need to start from zero.”
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Erik’s ‘still incarcerated unfortunately’
He mentioned one aspect that made the role “somewhat more challenging”.
“There exists a responsibility as he is an actual individual, and he continues to live. Unfortunately, he remains in prison. That’s why I ensured that every day I kept him in mind and made it my highest priority to remain as genuine as possible.”
Actor Nicholas Alexander Chavez, who portrays older brother Lyle in the series, conveyed to Sky News that there was “a tremendous burden associated with embodying a real person”.
Chavez remarked that after “thorough investigation”, and in partnership with the artistic direction of the producers and directors, “what ultimately appears on screen is a form of art”.
Regarding the fidelity of the depiction, Chavez expressed: “We all strive for it to be as thoughtful as possible.”
Visiting prison with Kim Kardashian
Koch recently met with the brothers at San Diego County’s Richard J Donovan Correctional Facility, where both are incarcerated, in the company of Kim Kardashian.
He described the visit as “a very fulfilling experience,” noting that Kardashian, who has been pursuing a legal career since 2019, exhibited “great enthusiasm” for criminal justice reform.
Koch explained that their visit was motivated by Lyle and Erik’s initiation of a green space initiative – Greenspace – aimed at enhancing the environments of prison yards to support rehabilitation.
He articulated their goal to “transform the ambiance to feel less dreary and barren… and assist these incarcerated individuals in feeling they have a purpose and significance in their lives while in prison”.
Koch remarked that his experience working on the Ryan Murphy production has “undoubtedly transformed my life”.
Chance of a retrial?
The initial trial of the Menendez brothers in 1993 captivated the media, aired on Court TV, and sparked conversations nationwide.
The joint trial two years later, during which evidence regarding the brothers’ alleged sexual abuse by their father was deemed inadmissible.
Following their sentencing in 1996, the brothers were separated for 22 years, serving time in different facilities until 2018 when Erik was transferred to the same prison as Lyle. They are presently aged 53 and 56 respectively.
In recent years, interest in their case has surged, fueled by a rising TikTok movement advocating for the brothers’ release.
The Netflix series, along with a forthcoming documentary premiering on the platform in October, has fueled further speculation regarding the case.
Now, newly emerged evidence, featured in the 2023 documentary Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed, has ignited calls for a retrial.
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The documentary included allegations from former Puerto Rican boyband member Roy Rossello, who claimed Jose Menendez assaulted him sexually during his teenage years.
The brothers’ defense team also asserts they have discovered a letter Erik Menendez wrote to his cousin months prior to the murders, detailing purported abuse from his father and expressing fear of him.
The defense team contends that this warrants a new trial as it constitutes information they were deprived of when the case was originally presented to a jury.
The district attorney’s office of LA County informed Sky News’ US partner NBC News that they are looking into the allegations and will provide a response by September 26.