The Daughter of Erik Menendez Explains the Reason for His Hospitalization.
Erik Menendez is on the path to recovery. Talia Menendez, his stepdaughter, provided insight into Erik's hospitalization after the 54-year-old was diagnosed with what his lawyer described as a “serious medical condition” ahead of his and brother Lyle Menendez's parole hearing next month.
On her Instagram Stories on July 23, Talia, whose mother Tammi Menendez married Erik in a 1999 prison ceremony, wrote, "Today Erik had his second surgery due to complications with both kidneys having multiple large stones." “Thankfully, his surgery was successful, though he will need a third surgery soon.”
She also voiced concerns about her dad receiving the right treatment because Erik and his brother, 57, are spending 50 years to life in prison for the 1989 murders of their parents, Mary Louise "Kitty" Menendez and Jose Menendez.
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“Because Erik is in prison, there are often complications and delays in medical care,” Talia, 29, went on, “so this continues to be a very stressful time for us all as you can imagine.” Nevertheless, she pointed out that her father's health was already getting better.
Just one month before he and his brother are due to appear for their parole hearing, Erik experiences a health crisis. After all, their 1996 life sentences were lowered to 50 years to life with the possibility of parole back in May.
In addition, what factors led Los Angeles County Judge Michael Jesic to lower their sentence? "I cannot make a finding that they are an 'unreasonable risk,'" he told the court during his closing arguments, according to NBC News.
Both brothers spoke about their parents' deaths in the moments after the judge's ruling, claiming that they had done so in self-defense after years of physical and sexual abuse.
According to NBC News, Lyle stated during the hearing, “Today, 35 years later, I am deeply ashamed of who I was," He also stated that he has subsequently undergone a personal transformation by obtaining professional assistance. “I made a promise I would never use violence to solve a problem.”
Erik stated that he accepts "full responsibility" for the murders.
He said at his brother's virtual court appearance, "I did everything I could to get away with the crime," according to NBC News. "I am directly responsible for it all. There is no excuse for my behavior."
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