Cooper Koch’s Heartfelt Support for Menendez Brothers Amid Legal Setbacks

Cooper Koch is speaking out on a case close to his heart.

Ever since portraying one of the Menendez brothers in the Netflix series, the actor has been closely following their legal odyssey. Now, he’s voicing his backing for the siblings, as Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has denied their request for a retrial.

In a statement released on February 21st through his brother Payton Koch, Cooper expressed his strong conviction that the Menendez brothers did not receive a fair second trial. He added that there was significant evidence backing their claims of sexual, psychological, physical, and emotional abuse at the hands of their parents, which was unfortunately overlooked in the trial.

Nevertheless, Cooper conveyed his optimism that Erik and Lyle, currently imprisoned for the 1989 murders of their parents José Menendez and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez (who allegedly suffered years of abuse), might someday be granted freedom from prison.

The 28-year-old expressed optimism that a way might yet be found for their release. Therefore, she urges everyone who supports them to keep speaking out with conviction.

After the verdict, relatives of the Menendez brothers expressed their deep disappointment through a public statement.

In their explanation of the DA’s decision, they emphasized that he isn’t merely disregarding Erik and Lyle’s accounts; rather, he appears to be muffling the voices of survivors everywhere who have endured being disbelieved, neglected, and re-traumatized by a system intended to safeguard them.

As an ardent follower of this case, I’m eagerly awaiting the sentencing hearing in March, as reported by CBS News. This hearing might potentially pave the way for the brothers to secure an early release.

However, despite encountering various legal hurdles throughout the years, the supporters of Erik, aged 54, and Lyle, aged 57, continue to stand by their side unwaveringly – this includes Erik’s wife, Tammi Menendez, who remains steadfast in her loyalty.

Indeed, Erik has shared that Tammi, whom he married in 1999 during his imprisonment, has been his steadfast support throughout his years spent in jail.

Speaking on the TMZ’s 2 Angry Men podcast in February, Erik explained that his imprisonment wasn’t just about serving time behind bars; it also meant losing touch with his brother and any prospects for freedom. He found himself in a maximum-security level four prison, a place teeming with violence, where he was entirely on his own, feeling terrified. Prison life was tough for him, as he experienced harassment, trauma, and was surrounded by an unsafe environment.

He spoke about his wife, who is Talia’s mother, saying, “Thankfully, I found the love of a woman that gave me a little precious daughter. With her, I embarked on fatherhood, growth, and healing much of the self-contempt and self-dislike that had been a part of my life.

For more on Erik and Lyle’s personal lives—and their relationships—keep reading.

On July 2, 1996, when Lyle Menendez was already 28 years old, he wed Anna Eriksson, a model and salon receptionist. This marriage took place on the same day that Lyle and his brother Erik were given life sentences in prison without the possibility of parole, for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.

Anna began correspondencing with Lyle back in 1993 during his initial court case, which ended inconclusively. The very next year, she relocated to California to be geographically closer to him. During the lengthy retrial that commenced in 1995 and concluded in March 1996 with convictions, Anna proved to be a constant support. This was reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Although they couldn’t physically exchange their vows, Lyle opted to go through with the wedding ceremony using a telephone call. With the groom in custody and the bride present at defense attorney Leslie Abramson’s office.

He seemingly hoped to be able to wed Anna in person, once he knew where he’d end up.

Back in September of 1996, Lt. Jack Pitko of California Correctional Institution shared with the LA Times that there was indeed a marital procedure ongoing. He added that there was a line for such requests, but he saw no reason why the individual couldn’t get married if they adhered to all the rules.

In 2001, Anna initiated a divorce proceeding, as it is said that she discovered Lyle was writing letters to other women, based on several accounts from that period.

Lyle took his time before marrying Rebecca Sneed, who was approximately 33 when they wed in November 2003. They had been acquainted for a decade, initially through correspondence and later through personal meetings, as confirmed by a prison representative to the Associated Press regarding their marriage.

The event transpired at Mule Creek State Prison, located close to Sacramento, where Lyle had been staying until his reunion with Erik in 2018, which occurred at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility situated in the southern part of San Diego County.

In a 2017 interview with People, Lyle mentioned that our discussions are usually uninterrupted by distractions, and they might be more personal than what typical married couples have, often preoccupied by everyday life happenings. At that point, Rebecca resided in Sacramento and reportedly visited every week.

Each day, I make it a point to reach out over the phone multiple times, savoring every conversation with my beloved spouse. Our bond is deeply engaged and rock-solid, offering me an unwavering sense of tranquility and happiness amidst the tumultuous, high-strung atmosphere surrounding me. It’s like a soothing balm against the uncertainty and stress that pervades here.

He admitted that Rebecca had faced many challenges, but showed great bravery in overcoming them. Leaving would have been simpler, he acknowledged, but he was deeply thankful that she chose not to.

Despite the possibility of Lyle and Erik potentially receiving a new sentencing and maybe being released soon, Rebecca clarified that she and Lyle have parted ways.

“For some time now, Lyle and I have been apart but remain close friends and family, she shared on her Facebook page on November 22. I’m still managing his Facebook accounts with his input, and my dedication to their ongoing fight for freedom remains unwavering, as you’ve seen throughout the years.”

I’m thrilled to share with everyone the latest developments in this case, as we’re united by a shared hope that these men regain their freedom. Rest assured, I won’t cease my efforts on their behalf!

Since gossip from tabloids doesn’t cease even beyond prison walls, the post additionally clarified, “This is NOT about infidelity.

Erik’s wife, Tammi Menendez (currently 62 years old), was previously married to Chuck Saccoman when she first spotted the younger Menendez brother on television in 1993. A unique affection developed in her heart for the 22-year-old man who was being tried for murder at that time.

Later on, as she shared with People magazine, she conveyed to her spouse that she intended to pen a letter to Erik. In response, Chuck granted her his approval.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I came across a unique letter penned by Tammi that resonated deeply within me. Among countless letters I’ve received, this one stood out and demanded my attention. A sense of connection stirred inside me, prompting me to respond personally.

Tammi and I engaged in a correspondence that unfolded gradually, making it all the more precious. The beauty of our friendship lay in its separation from the tumultuous trial and media storm surrounding my life at the time. Tammi was an oasis amidst the chaos – someone unrelated to the frenzy.

Initially, Tammi had her doubts about the brothers’ claim of abuse when they presented it in 2005, as she detailed in her book They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life With Erik Menendez. Additionally, she revealed to MSNBC that Erik disclosed having a girlfriend for several years from the outset.

In 1996, according to what Tammi has written in her book and discussed in interviews, she discovered that Chuck had been mistreating his teenage daughter from a past relationship. They were parents to a nine-month-old child at the time.

Chuck turned himself into police and died by suicide two days later, according to People.

Following Chuck’s passing, I found myself reaching out to Erik back in 2005. He provided a soothing balm for my grief. As our correspondence deepened, our letters began to take on a more profound and significant character.

In a straightforward manner, Tammi confessed that she was extremely anxious when she first encountered Erik face-to-face at Folsom State Prison in August of 1997.

She clarified that Erik had never seen her image as she’d only shared a minuscule 1×1 pixel photo. However, upon entering the room, he radiated such vivacity that it was as if he were bounding down the stairs. It felt like encountering a long-lost companion.

They married in 1999, a Twinkie serving as their wedding cake. 

They’ve been a couple since then, but Tammi has admitted that not having regular visits can be challenging for her.

She explained on MSNBC in December 2005 that a regular part of their routine was giving a kiss when arriving home and a kiss goodbye, emphasizing that while they could intertwine fingers, this aspect was particularly challenging for some because it’s not something everyone fully grasps.

Erik mentioned he made an effort to avoid contemplating the possibility that his sentence might have been permanent, meaning he may never leave prison.

In 2005, he shared with People that Tammi is his source of strength. Whenever he tries to contemplate the sentence, he does it with profound sadness and an intense fear that makes him break out in a cold sweat. It’s something so terrifying that he hasn’t been able to fully accept or cope with it yet.

On a brighter side, Tammi not only showed him the ropes of being a good spouse, as Erik shared. Instead of resorting to ‘makeup’ intimacy, it’s just a brief 15-minute conversation on the phone that counts, so one must truly strive to keep things going smoothly.

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2025-02-24 18:49