Cooper Koch tuned in to Netflix's documentary, 'The Menendez Brothers,' which premiered after his portrayal of Lyle Menendez in the critically acclaimed Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan limited series, 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.' While offering his commendation for the documentary, Koch couldn't help but ponder why two crucial pieces of fresh evidence currently under scrutiny by the Los Angeles District Attorney's office were conspicuously absent from the two-hour narrative.
"I thought they crafted a remarkable piece, but I was left wondering why they hadn't incorporated those vital new details," Koch shared during a spirited visit to 'Watch What Happens Live' on Tuesday. "Specifically, the letter Erik penned to his cousin Andy, which emerged in 2018, shedding light on his abuse, and the harrowing account from Roy Rosselló, a former Menudo member, who recently revealed he too was sexually abused by José Menendez."
Andy Cano, Erik's cousin, famously testified in 1993, during the initial trial that ended in a deadlock, where he recounted Erik's confessions of being molested by their father. The letter, however, remained hidden for decades, until journalist Robert Rand stumbled upon it while sorting through Cano's belongings post his demise. This bombshell discovery, dated December 1988, eight months before the murders, could have significantly altered the course of the mid-90s trials.
Furthermore, Rosselló's harrowing revelation in the Peacock docuseries 'Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed,' released in April 2023, added another layer to the already complex narrative. Both these revelations, the Cano letter and Rosselló's account, formed the cornerstone of the habeas corpus petition filed by Erik and Lyle's legal team in May 2023, now under rigorous examination by the DA's office.
L.A. District Attorney George Gascón has scheduled a hearing for November 29th to deliberate on whether these newfound evidences merit a resentencing for the Menendez brothers, now in their fifties, serving life sentences without parole.
Producers Ross Dinerstein and Rebecca Evans of Campfire Studios, when quizzed about the documentary's omission of these revelations, emphasized their focus on Erik and Lyle's journey rather than presenting evidence. "We wanted to center the story around the brothers, leaving the legal battles to their lawyers," Evans elucidated to The Hollywood Reporter. "The habeas petition is where the real fight lies, and we chose to highlight their personal struggle rather than delve into the intricacies of litigation."
Koch, who met the incarcerated brothers in person at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, facilitated by Kim Kardashian's advocacy for prison reform, reminisced about the profound moment when he locked eyes with Erik. "It was an emotional and transformative encounter," he recounted, adding that Erik praised his performance in 'Monsters,' particularly the emotionally charged fifth episode where he delivered a harrowing monologue detailing a lifetime of abuse. Koch harbors hope for a favorable resentencing, emphasizing the brothers' transformative work within prison walls.
"Erik and Lyle have transformed their lives behind bars, teaching meditation and speech classes," Koch expressed. "Their stories, once overshadowed by misconceptions, are now gaining traction as society becomes more receptive to the realities of sexual abuse. I sincerely hope for a just resolution that recognizes their efforts and acknowledges the truth."
Meanwhile, Menendez's legal team, led by Mark Geragos and Cliff Gardner, is organizing a press conference ahead of the November hearing, bringing together a formidable alliance of family members and supporters like Rosie O'Donnell, showcasing a remarkable display of solidarity.
