Menendez Brothers’ Aunt Breaks 35-Year Silence on Their Imprisonment

Lyle Menendez and Erik Menendez’s family is holding out hope.

In my role as a lifestyle expert, I find myself reflecting on a remarkable piece of history unfolding once more. I’m referring to the brothers, who were convicted back in 1983 for the murder of their parents, José Menendez and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, and are now awaiting an April 11 hearing to decide if their resentencing will move forward. For the first time in many years, their aunt, Terry Baralt, has chosen to share her unique insights on this intriguing saga.

Terry, José’s sole surviving sister, told ABC News on April 10 that the individuals in question resemble sons she never had. She further emphasized her belief that their hardships have persisted for far too long and it’s high time they found resolution – after all, thirty-five years is a significant stretch of time.

She went on to say, ‘An entire lineage of mine has been wiped out. Not only those who are no longer here but also those who continue to bear the burden, who were just children.’

Lately, Terry has been fighting a tough battle against colon cancer. As a result, she’s been going out of her way to spend more time with her nephews, knowing her energy levels may not always allow it.

As a die-hard fan, I’ve made every effort to catch their performances whenever possible, but alas, geographical constraints (New Jersey) and my advanced age (85) make it quite challenging. Time, as precious as it is, isn’t something I have in abundance.

Observing her nephews, who have been incarcerated and have no hope for parole, struggle for their freedom after so many years has undeniably been an emotionally challenging experience for her, as she watches it unfold from afar.

Terry observed that when young children approach him for help, he tries to solve their issues. However, he feels helpless as there’s nothing he can do for them beyond visiting them and shedding tears upon leaving.

“This is why I don’t give interviews,” she added, overwhelmed by her emotions. “It’s hard.”

Together with Terry, a number of Lyle and Erik’s family members such as Kitty’s sister Joan Anderson VanderMolen and José’s niece Anamaria Baralt have expressed solidarity in their efforts to gain freedom. Notably, they’ve also backed the brothers, who were 21 and 18 years old during the murders, as they’ve shared accounts of the sexual abuse they claim to have suffered at the hands of their father.

Joan, aged 93, stated during a press conference that Lyle and Erik were hidden from protection by the very individuals who should have shielded them – their parents, the system, and society as a whole. At the time of their trial, the world wasn’t prepared to accept that boys could be raped or that young men could be victims of sexual violence. Today, we understand that this is not the case. We now recognize that abuse can have long-lasting impacts, and those who suffer trauma may act in ways that are hard to comprehend.

She added that if their father’s abuse was brought to light today, the evidence would not only be accepted in court but also offer crucial background for understanding their actions. In modern times, a jury would likely consider their ordeal before delivering a severe verdict.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share my thoughts on the recent court proceedings involving Erik and Lyle. Last November, both Joan and Terry stood up in court, advocating for these brothers. However, Judge Michael Jesic postponed their resentencing hearing, allowing District Attorney-elect Nathan Hochman to thoroughly examine case files. But unlike others, Kitty’s brother, Milton Anderson, seems less inclined towards their release.

According to Kathy Cady, Mr. Anderson’s attorney, she stated in October (as reported by NBC4), that Mr. Anderson thinks the reason his nephews killed Kitty and her husband was due to greed. He also feels it is just for the Menendez brothers to remain imprisoned based on this belief.

2025-04-11 22:20

Read More