Cooper Koch opens up about conversation with Erik Menendez following resentencing

American actor Cooper Koch achieved major success after playing Erik Menendez in the biographical crime drama series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. He received critical acclaim for his portrayal, which also led to his nomination for a Golden Globe Award.

Recently, Cooper shared that he had a conversation with Erik Menendez after recent updates to his prison sentence. As per the BBC, the Menendez brothers have received a reduced term. In a report by Variety, Cooper Koch, previously famous for starring in slasher and horror movies, shared Erik's wish to bring in changes for the American Prison System.

Trending

Cooper Koch speaks on Erik Menendez’s vision

At a Monsters FYC event, Cooper Koch shared his thoughts:

“I’m so grateful that that happened, and so is Erik [Menendez], I spoke to him yesterday and he is so excited.” shared the actor.

When Cooper Koch spoke with Erik Menendez, it wasn't the past that made the strongest impression, but it was Menendez’s vision for the future. Koch shared that “the most inspiring” thing he heard was Menendez’s wish to drive reform:

“a lot of change in the prison system.”

According to Koch, Menendez is focused and hoping to help others suffering the same fate.

“He is going to be an advocate for other people who have L.W.O.P, which is life without parole, his life is going to surround making change in the prison system, and I just think that is so beautiful.” shared the Cooper Koch.

Speaking on behalf of Erik Menendez, actor Cooper Koch offered a glimpse into the mindset of the convicted killer, who’s now focused on redemption. Koch shared that Erik wants the world to eventually say:

“We really made the right decision. Thank God we let them out,” if he and his brother are freed.

Menendez case resurfaces amid Netflix spotlight and new legal ruling

In 1989, brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez killed their parents in a brutal shooting inside their Beverly Hills mansion. The brothers were then convicted in 1996 of first-degree murder and conspiracy to murder. After their conviction, Erik and Lyle received life sentences without parole.

Recently, a Los Angeles judge altered that sentence, granting the brothers eligibility for parole. After the release of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix, the decades-old case is fueling public discussion. According to a report shared by Netflix, the true crime show received a whopping 35 million views in the second half of 2024.

In 2024, former District Attorney George Gascón petitioned for the change, asking that the brothers’ life sentences be altered to 50 years to life. Their original sentences barred any possibility of parole.

On May 13, Judge Michael Jesic of Los Angeles County Superior Court shared his opinion, saying that they deserved a chance to seek parole after serving 35 years in prison.

"I do believe they've done enough in the past 35 years that they should get that chance," Jesic said at the conclusion of the hearing.

This ruling paves the way for the Menendez brothers to apply for parole under California’s youthful offender law. The law applies to those convicted of crimes committed before the age of 26, and since the brothers were 18 and 21 years old at the time of the killings, they have a hope to pursue parole.

Family members and a former fellow inmate supported the Menendez brothers' resentencing. Their testimony emphasized the brothers' involvement in prison educational courses and the creation of a hospice program for sick and elderly prisoners.

Despite this, the district attorney’s office strongly opposed any reduction in sentence, arguing that the brothers had not fully acknowledged their crimes. They continue to "make excuses" for their actions, the DA’s office stated, asserting that the brothers had not demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback

Comment