Menendez Brothers’ Cousin Begs Choose for Mercy in Resentencing Listening to

The Menendez Brothers‘ day in court docket has arrived … the convicted killers are attending a resentencing listening to Tuesday, and attorneys on either side are making their instances with full-throated help from Erik and Lyle‘s relations within the courtroom.

Tamara Lucero Goodell is the brothers’ cousin as soon as eliminated — she’s the good niece of Erik and Lyle’s deceased mom, Kitty — and he or she took the stand within the Van Nuys, L.A. courtroom first. She talked in regards to the shotgun murders of the brothers’ dad and mom in 1989 … which occurred simply three weeks earlier than her ninth birthday.

Tamara testified she has no issues in regards to the brothers committing any crimes in the event that they’re launched from jail. She mentioned she wasn’t conscious of any alleged abuse from Kitty or Jose — an alleged element the brothers try to leverage for his or her freedom. She recalled as soon as seeing Jose grabbing the again of Erik’s neck throughout a tennis match.

Diane Hernandez, one other of Kitty’s nieces, additionally took the stand Tuesday … she had testified of their authentic trial within the ’90s, saying on the time that Lyle had informed her about his father’s alleged abuse … and he or she mentioned Kitty did not imagine her when she informed her about it.

Diane additionally mentioned she did not assume the brothers would ever commit additional crimes if launched. She even welcomed them to come back stay together with her … saying it could be “healing” in the event that they went free. Hernandez immediately appealed to the choose, saying “be merciful.” She mentioned it could be a “miracle” if the brothers might get a final go to together with her mom Joan.

Lyle and Erik attended at this time’s courtroom proceedings by way of Zoom. They have been visibly affected by emotion when Diane spoke. They have been serving time since 1996, once they have been discovered responsible of their second trial of killing their dad and mom … they usually have been sentenced to life in jail with out parole.

L.A. County District Legal professional Nathan Hochman opposes their launch, even their resentencing — the method was kick-started by his predecessor, George Gascon, final 12 months.

As we reported, California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered a threat evaluation report on the brothers to find out whether or not they’re nonetheless a hazard to society in the event that they’re launched. Newsom will determine in June on granting them clemency.

A household cousin, Anamaria Baralt, spoke to reporters on her approach into the listening to this morning, thanking supporters.