Erik Menendez fears he doesn't have much longer left as family push for prison release

Erik and his brother Lyle shot dead their parents in 1989 (Image: Getty)

Erik Menendez fears he hasn't got "much longer" to live. Menendez, along with brother Lyle, shot their parents Kitty and Jose dead in 1989 and has been in jail ever since.

But the family have since pushed for their release following the release of a Netflix drama about the pair which lays bare abuse suffered in the Menendez household.

And, speaking in a new Netflix film, the brother expressed fears for hos mortality. He said: "I'm getting older, I'm not going to live that much longer. So much hasn't been told. And I think that not speaking out doesn't help anyone."

Erik and Lyle Menendez were handed life without parole prison sentences in July 1996, but have maintained over time that the murders were in self-defence after claiming to have been emotionally, physically and sexually abused by their father.

The brothers claim that they acted in self-defence (Image: Getty)

Don't miss... Inside Menendez brothers' house now as Netflix series recreates crime scene

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Jose Menendez's niece Anamaria Baralt announced that both sides of the family were unified in wanting to see Erik and Lyle be released early: "Both sides of the family are united, sharing a new bond of hope.

"This is about truth, justice and healing... Their continued incarceration serves no rehabilitative purpose."

Meanwhile, Kitty Menendez's sister Joan Andersen VanderMolen, told the press: "I had no idea the extent of the abuse they suffered at the hands of my brother-in-law. None of us did.

"We know that abuse has long effects, and victims of trauma sometimes act in ways that are very difficult to understand."

Don't miss...
Menendez brothers' aunt confirms grim detail in Netflix series
Menendez brothers' response to TikTok campaign for prison release
Menendez Brothers 'new evidence' update and latest on case

window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20241015.min.js" SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Earlier this month, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón told a news conference that they would be looking back over the case. He claimed there was the possibility of either two outcomes possible, the brothers are re-sentenced or they are granted a retrial.

It comes after Erik's aunt confirmed his chilling habit that was portrayed in the drama, relating to the sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of his father.

The Menendez Brothers is now available to stream on Netflix.