() – Lawyers representing Lyle and Erik Menendez, who are serving life sentences for the 1988 shooting deaths of their parents, are seeking to have their convictions overturned or resentenced, citing new evidence in the case.
An example of this evidence is a letter written by Erik to his cousin Andy Cano in 1988, months before the murders, in which he alludes to abuse by his father. Although they never denied killing their parents, the brothers have maintained that they acted in self-defense and suffered years of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their father.
Transcription of Erik Menéndez’s letter to Andy Cano, translated into Spanish:
Hello Andy,
How are you? I hope better than me. It’s been a long time since we got in touch. Too long. I wish we could have seen each other during Thanksgiving. We almost made it. We were ready to go and then my parents decided not to at the last minute. Mom said the flights were too expensive, she said we could wait until Christmas. But now they’ve decided I’m playing in the Fiesta Bowl and it’s not worth flying just for a few days. I was excited to see you and some friends from high school, but I guess I’ll have to wait a little.
Mom and Dad had a company party here and Dad hired people to decorate the whole house and bought a HUGE tree they brought from Santa Barbara (they actually had to bring 3 because Mom didn’t like the way the first tree looked. They were furious!) They also decorated the tree. Where’s the Christmas spirit in that? I remember when Lyle and I used to decorate it. Times change, huh? At least I was able to put in my own stocking and one for Rudy and Velvet, who are fine by the way.
Mom is not very well. It’s like he’s here physically, but mentally he’s kind of absent, if you know what I mean. He gets upset for nothing. I feel bad for her. I don’t know why he puts up with dad’s nonsense.
Sometimes I wish I could talk to her about things, you know? Some days…especially dad and me. But the way she dotes on him and tells him everything, I’m so afraid she’ll tell him whatever he says. I just can’t risk it. (redacted) Lyle had a big fight with her about why we couldn’t spend Christmas with the rest of the family and Mom got upset and said if he wanted to go, he could go alone. I don’t know why he wants to hurt him like that. Lyle wanted to stay, but Dad wouldn’t let him. So now I’m stuck here alone. I’ve been trying to avoid dad. It’s still happening, Andy, but it’s worse for me now. I can’t explain it. He’s so (cross out) overweight I can’t stand to look at him. I never know when it’s going to happen and it’s driving me crazy. Every night I stay awake thinking I might get in. I need to get it out of my mind. I know what you said before, but I’m scared. You don’t know dad like I do. He’s crazy! He’s warned me a hundred times about telling anyone, especially Lyle. Am I a big coward? I don’t know if I’ll make it. I can handle it, Andy. I need to stop thinking about that.
Anyway, I hope you’re okay. How’s your new girlfriend, Allison? Sounds pretty cool. When will I meet her? I can see why you don’t want to leave Puerto Rico! ha ha. I heard you’re playing a lot of soccer. I love football. Too bad I had to stop playing. How many touches can you make? I’m glad to see that school is easy for you. It sounds a little too easy though. Are you learning? Next year is the important year. 11th grade transcripts are what colleges look at.
I’m fine so far with school. My tennis gets in the way a little bit, but next year is an important year. I think if I really do well in tennis, Mom and Dad relax a little just in time for me to start college at Brown (cross out) or Berkeley. Anyway, I’m playing great. We really like our new coach Mark. He beat Lyle 6-0 in the first set they played! It was so bad that Lyle even had to laugh.
Well, I’m leaving buddy, it’s getting late and I’m not feeling well. Stay in touch! I hope to see you soon. Until then, God bless you and Merry Christmas!
For whatever Christmas it is, for whatever Christmas it is. I miss you. With love, E.
If you or someone you know is dealing with the aftermath of sexual assault, there are organizations that can help.
In the United States
National Domestic Violence Hotline Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788
Available 24/7. You can connect callers with local resources and immediate support. Also available through a tool online chat.
National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Provided by RAINN (National Rape, Abuse and Incest Network). Available 24/7. Also available through an online chat tool.
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741
Available 24/7 for victims of abuse and any other type of crisis.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-422-4453
Available 24/7 in 170 different languages.
Find one resource list organized by state here, provided by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health.
In Argentina
The Ministry of Women, Gender and Diversity has Line 144. It provides care, advice and support for situations of gender-based violence, 24 hours a day, free of charge and throughout the country.
In Mexico
A complaint can be filed with the Public Ministry or the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Crimes of Violence against Women (FEVIMTRA).
You can also get advice from the Federal Attorney for the Defense of Labor (PROFEDET) 51-34-98-00 or the INMUJERES telephone line “Life without violence” 01-800-911-25-11.
In Colombia
You can report verbally or in writing, in the first instance at the Comprehensive Care Centers for Victims of Sexual Crimes of the Prosecutor’s Office, which are open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 5 pm, or in the Units Immediate Reaction (URI) of the Prosecutor’s Office, which provide their service throughout the country 24 hours a day.
In Uruguay
The Ministry of Labor and Social Security – General Inspection of Labor and Social Security processes complaints for moral harassment at work, sexual harassment at work, discrimination at work in any of its forms, violation of freedom of association, labor exploitation and human trafficking. for purposes of labor exploitation, and any other form of violence at work.
You are not alone. You are not alone. Ask for help.
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