After portraying Erik Menendez in Ryan Murphy’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, Cooper Koch recently had the unique opportunity to visit both Erik and Lyle Menendez at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility near San Diego on September 21, 2024.
Reflecting on his meeting with the brothers, Koch shared his experience with Variety. He mentioned that upon first meeting Erik, they shared a long gaze before embracing each other. He described both Lyle and Erik as “kind people” and expressed the emotional weight of being in their presence. “I got to hug both of them and just be in their presence,” Koch said, conveying a sense of connection with them.
Koch also advocated for the brothers to receive a new trial, arguing that they were just 18 and 21 at the time of the tragic incident. He pointed out the societal stigma surrounding male-on-male sexual abuse during the time of their case, particularly as it involved their father, making the situation even more complex and difficult for people to comprehend. “This theory that they killed their parents for money is just bonkers. But it was easier for people at the time to sort of swallow that story,” he added.
He noted that after 35 years, the conversation around child sexual abuse and male-on-male sexual abuse has evolved, allowing for a broader understanding of such issues.
During his visit, Koch also addressed Erik’s criticisms of the Netflix series that depicted their story. He expressed empathy for their situation and reiterated his support for the brothers.
Interestingly, Koch’s visit was encouraged by Kim Kardashian, who invited him to join her, along with her sister Khloé and mother Kris Jenner, as part of a group focused on prison reform.
Koch shared that the Menendez brothers have been actively contributing to the prison community, with Erik participating in meditation sessions and speech classes. Together, they are involved in a “Greenspace project” aimed at improving the prison grounds.
The Menendez brothers’ case made headlines back in 1989 when they shot their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, with 12-gauge shotguns. They claimed the killings were a response to years of alleged sexual abuse by their father. However, the authorities framed their actions as motivated by greed. In 1996, Erik and Lyle were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
