Menendez brothers’ lawyer looking at security for family after they were mobbed outside court as resentencing delayed

The first court hearing for the Mendendez brothers drew hundreds of onlookers, but it became so chaotic that their legal team is now considering hiring security.

After being found guilty of killing their parents, Jose and Katie, in 1989, Erik and Lyle Menendez may soon get their sentences lowered.

Early in the morning, supporters, media, and live-streamers from all across the nation gathered outside the Van Nuys Courthouse.

While 16 members of the public were given the opportunity to enter a lottery for a chance to sit in the gallery when the brothers appeared virtually, only a small number of journalists were chosen to attend the hearing.

They were scheduled to make their first video link appearance in over three decades on Monday, but they are still incarcerated at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility outside San Diego, California.

However, after more than 20 minutes of technical issues, just the audio link was operational.

A hearing was initially scheduled for December 11 as departing Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon fought for the court to lower their sentences.

Judge Michael Jesic decided on Monday to move the appointment back to January 30 and 31 “out of respect for the new administration.” Nathan Hochman, the district attorney-elect, is now scheduled to start work on December 2.

Terry Baralt, 85, and Joan Andersen VanderMolen, 92, the brother’s aunts, made passionate pleas to the judge before leaving with the brother’s attorney, Mark Geragos, to speak to the public.

Despite the presence of a few police officers, there was no security to keep the throng under control as people pressed forward in an attempt to reach the elderly relatives.

The session was described as a “moving experience” by Geragos, who seemed unimpressed by the courthouse setting.

“I do wish for their return. Outside the courthouse, Vandermolen remarked, “They never should have been in such situations.”

The elderly family members were removed out of the location after being spotted struggling with the crowds and being surrounded by others.

The U.S. Sun was informed by Holly Baird, a spokesman for the brothers’ attorney Mark Geragos, that they were dissatisfied with the “lack of professionalism.”

She stated, “We’re probably going to hire security,” explaining that the last press conference in Downtown Los Angeles had been “scary.”

“The courts aren’t going to help us because it’s not their job, so we might need to hire our own security guards.”

Many of the content producers, she continued, are accustomed to a “paparazzi style” of reporting and became overly intimate, which was “not cool” when interacting with older family members.

BLOCKBUSTER CASE

With reporters from multiple foreign sites, TikTokers, YouTubers, and fans who had traveled far and wide, it was one of the largest court hearings to get headlines in years in Los Angeles.

Erik’s daughter, Talia Menendez, later commented on the hearing, stating that the result is “one set forward in securing [Erik and Lyle’s] freedom.”

Talia posted an Instagram Story with the caption, “I would like to provide an update on the court hearing our family attended today,”

Judge Jesic told us that more time is needed for the court and the district attorney to make a judgment.

“Even though this is not the result we were hoping for, we are still hopeful that it is a positive step toward ensuring their liberation.

“Our family is united in this fight and remains urgently focused on bringing them home, so we can be together for the upcoming holidays.”

Talia went on, “Your prayers and support are more important than ever, and we are incredibly grateful for them.

“We are grateful for the ongoing chance to fight for Erik and Lyle’s freedom, even though I wish I had more positive news to give.

“I want to express my gratitude to everyone who sent well wishes and to all of the kind supporters I met today. Together, we stand.

LYLE’S NEW RELATIONSHIP

The status hearing followed a significant dramatic twist in the boys’ quest for freedom, despite support for them.

According to reports, Lyle is currently seeing a 21-year-old British student who has visited the notorious murderer at the prison outside of San Diego.

The Daily Mail claims that around the beginning of 2024, Milly Bucksey, a University of Manchester student, initiated a romantic relationship with Lyle.

Peter, Buckey’s father, 78, told The Sun that his family was unaware of his daughter’s infatuation.

In Altrincham, Manchester, Peter remarked, “We knew nothing about it,” from his family’s house.

He continued, “But it’s our personal business,” although his daughter has not yet commented on the romance.

If any of the concerns discussed in this story affect you or someone you know, give RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) a call at 800-656-HOPE (4673).

Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!