Actor Cooper Koch, known for portraying Erik Menendez in “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” shared insights on his dialogue with his actual onscreen twin following a court decision by a Los Angeles judge that lessened the life sentences of the Menendez brothers.
Koch expressed his gratitude over the recent resentencing, stating this during a ‘Monsters’ FYC event on Tuesday. He also shared that Erik Menendez, who he recently spoke with, is equally grateful and enthusiastic about it.
Cooper Koch on the Menendez brothers’ resentencing: “I actually spoke to Erik yesterday.”
— EbMaster (@EbMaster) May 21, 2025
Later, Koch remarked that the most captivating statement made by Erik Menendez was his enthusiasm about the endeavors he intends to pursue upon his release, particularly his dedication to bringing about significant reforms within the correctional system.
Koch stated that he will work as an advocate for individuals serving Life Without Parole (LWOW), explaining that his mission will revolve around reforming the prison system. I find it incredibly moving that he dedicates his life to such a noble cause.
Koch mentioned that Erik Menendez expresses optimism that, if he and his brother are eventually freed from prison, people might reflect on their release 10 years later and conclude, “We indeed took the correct course. We’re grateful we allowed them to be released.
The decision offers Erik and Lyle a chance at freedom, having spent 35 years behind bars for the 1989 murder of their parents.
Judge Michael Jesic proposed modifying the Menendez brothers’ initial sentences of life without parole to 50 years to life, given their age at the time of the crime, which qualifies them for a chance at parole under California’s Youthful Offender law. Nevertheless, they must still receive approval from the state parole board before any potential release.
interest in the case grew significantly following the airing of Ryan Murphy’s “Monsters” series, which delved into the murder and subsequent trial, in September 2024.
In October, District Attorney George Gascón advocated for a sentence reduction to 50 years to life. Yet, following his re-election loss to Nathan Hochman, Hochman rescinded the office’s petition to lower these sentences.
Gascón, an advocate for criminal justice reform, discovered that the two men had successfully turned their lives around after spending 35 years in prison. The Menendez family contends that fresh evidence indicates the brothers were victims of sexual abuse by their father, and societal views on such abuse have significantly changed over the past 30 years.
(Note: I tried to maintain the original structure while making it easier to read.)
As a film critic, I must confess that in this cinematic portrayal, the directors seem to overlook the fact that their narrative of self-defense has been exposed as unfounded. Consequently, they’ve yet to shoulder the accountability for the actions that transpired on screen.
In September, Koch paid a visit to the brothers in prison together with Kim Kardashian. Afterwards, the actor expressed that upon seeing Erik, he and Koch exchanged a glance and instantly hugged. According to him, Erik was incredibly compassionate, and the same could be said for Lyle. He had the opportunity to give them both a warm embrace and simply be in their company. They are truly admirable individuals who have made significant contributions within the prison. Erik focuses on teaching meditation and public speaking, while they’re also working on a Greenspace project aimed at enhancing the prison grounds. The experience was incredibly heartwarming.
Previously, Koch mentioned that his conversation with Erik occurred the evening prior to when “Monsters” was released on Netflix.
Read More
2025-05-21 05:23