In an essay to NBC News, Kim wrote that Erik and Lyle Menendez "are not monsters," but rather "kind, intelligent, and honest men" deserving of a review of their life sentences.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that prosecutors are examining the Menendez brothers' claims of being molested by their father. Gascón will determine whether Erik and Lyle should receive a new trial or a new sentence—likely for manslaughter—that could lead to their release.
Last month, Kim met Erik and Lyle at a prison near San Diego, where a warden mentioned they would be comfortable having the Menendez brothers as neighbors.
Kim acknowledges that Erik and Lyle's killing of their father is not excusable, but argues they are shaped by their experiences and are different people in their 50s compared to when they murdered their parents over 35 years ago.
Kim highlights that the judge in the Menendez brothers' 1995 second trial excluded evidence of alleged abuse by Jose Menendez. She asserts that this denial of crucial evidence prevented Erik and Lyle from fully presenting their case and compromised the fairness of their conviction.
Kim states that the trial and punishment the Menendez brothers received were more suitable for a serial killer than for two individuals who suffered years of sexual abuse from those they loved and trusted.
She adds that she doesn’t think life imprisonment was the appropriate punishment for this complex case and believes that if the crime were committed and tried today, the outcome would be very different.
With renewed attention on the Menendez brothers' case, Kim hopes their life sentences will be reevaluated.
Kim believes, "We owe it to the little boys who lost their childhoods and never had a chance to be heard, helped, or saved."