Former Menendez Brothers’ Prison Guard Raises Concerns About the Famous Inmates

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#STSNation,
Welcome to Surviving The Survivor the podcast that brings you the best guests in true crime.
Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of the grisly 1989 shotgun murders of their parents, Jose and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menendez, at the family's sprawling Beverly Hills mansion.
They’ve been in prison ever since.
But, do they have a new shot at freedom after a bombshell letter surfaced and the release of a new documentary supporting the brothers’ claims of SA by their dad Jose Menendez.
Now, a former prison guard who worked in the same unit as Lyle and Erik Menendez is speaking out warning to think twice before granting the duo their freedom.
#BestGuests:
Hector Bravo Ferrel was a Lieutenant in the California Department of Corrections for 16 years before resigning from his post. At Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility he worked in the same unit as the Menendez brothers and got to know both well.
Ferrel is also a decorated combat veteran.
Other guests: TBD
#MenendezBrothers #TrueCrime #LyleMenendez #ErikMenendez #Menudo #BoyBand #PrisonLife #TrueCrimeCommunity #murdermystery #truestory #murdernews #prison
#inmates #truecrimestories #news #trial #justice #criminaljustice #murdermystery2

[@Angela-219]

Child abusers deserve the worst. Period. Scum of the earth. ESPECIALLY when the abuser is family and should be a protector. People have no idea what that does to the mental health and growth of their emotional and critical brain. Childhood SA is a life sentence in itself.

[@mannerhubert6039]

Yes,i am confused about this episode.

[@gemmalouiseroby8090]

Spot on, Angela. I totally agree!

[@MoralMaze163]

Well, mission accomplished. Jose and Kitty got the worse. But they didn't get their day in court, and they had that right

[@gemmalouiseroby8090]

@Kim Morgan I'm not disagreeing with you, we're discussing the circumstances of something that has already happened.

[@chattahuffman5117]

So should we let our serial killers that grew up with terrible sa and physical abuse? How about rapists that had that unbringing? A lot of locked uo child abusers had horrific trauma growing up? Your argument lacks logic.

[@reeset2198]

So the retired CO says he didn't like their "vibe" and thats why they should remain in prison?? You don't like someone so they should stay in prison for the rest of their lives. This is not a serious conversation.

[@mauiswift6391]

He actually never said they should remain in prison because of a vibe.

[@reeset2198]

Ha! He didn’t say they should get out lol😂 did he? Just that they were trying to gain access to where they shouldn’t go once and that really annoyed him. Gimme a break.

[@angelmeade6927]

Exactly

[@olguiq1013]

Set them FREE!!!

[@abigailsanchez7722]

@reeset2198 my thoughts exactly

[@elizabethmiller819]

I love that you bring on people from varied backgrounds. It's awesome that you include former criminals and give them a voice and let them share their insights instead of treating them like throwaway people.

[@CrimeSceneTape]

THIS☝🏻👏🏼🙌🏼💜

[@iyaakasha9029]

Absolutely. Wisdom comes from many life paths, respect to all.

[@tammymakin2492]

Love the shareing of awarness' ❤ Awarness of how humans can turn so fast Jusgments racism can be spread so easily Hipefully the speakingbout dows help to educate people ' Also of course giveing a voice to survivors Of the unimaginable suffering cruelty Inhuman judgments So so brave

[@carolynburke3115]

To the woman who questions Hector: I was a Correctional Officer for 8 years in a level 4 men's prison. I saw plenty of fights, melee's, etc. I was never attacked either. The inmates usually fight each other not staff. They know the repercussions if they go after staff. The response will be swift and strong and in large numbers. That alone gives them pause before acting out. In addition, the time added onto their sentences is substantial. Hector comes across as authentic. The prisons are large, multiple yards, hundreds(or even thousands) of inmates. When he was a CO he dealt directly with inmates. However, as a Lieutenant he would oversee staff (CO's and Sargeants). His dealings with Inmates would be through adjudication of write ups at the higher level.

[@ginaiannucci]

Thank you for your service.

[@Boss_Lady.325]

Joel, I watch your show every single night. 7pm est is right after I get home and settled. I sit up quietly in the nose bleed section and watch & listen. THIS particular show tonight, I have to say BRAVO!!! Good for you for going straight up against the almighty MSM!!! LOVE real life truth. 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 ❤ Putting in my 2 cents - they were clearly violently abused. I probably wouldve done the same thing in their shoes. Is murder okay, no way! BUT they were scared kids horrifically abused. Its been 30 years, will they be a menace to society? NO! I think they've paid their price for killing the 2 people who were supposed to protect them but did the opposite. Enough. Let them go.

[@megmeyer7563]

I agree with you

[@Boss_Lady.325]

@@megmeyer7563 Thank you! 😊

[@Connie-E]

💯 Agree with you. It isn't ok to murder, but they gave served many years.

[@lucydayLucida]

Agree 100%. What they did is never acceptable. But what those boys endured over years at the hands of their father means that to judge them in the same light we'd shine on any random person doing the same, is not only unfair but incorrect.

[@smith899]

@@Boss_Lady.325 I remember their trial. I was a new mom, married just over a year. I have experienced SA as a child and a young adult. I believed them at the time but I always wondered if it was because of the post-natal hormones and my past. These men need to be set free.

[@angeladennison412]

I absolutely hate it when some people say yes, but they were their parents. Just because you’re a parent doesn’t give you a pass to do unbelievable evil whether it’s your children or anyone else just because you’re a parent you should not be able to get away with evil

[@sandyt7225]

And the I agree but they premeditated 2 murder. They weren't young children. They could of left at anytime And turned him in. But they would of had to work and take care of themselves. And they didn't want to do. Keep them where they are.

[@Muirmaiden]

@@sandyt7225 It was not premeditated. Watch the first trial. Abuse victims often feel they can't leave. Their father controlled everything. Look up Learned Helplessness.

[@Muirmaiden]

@@sandyt7225 It wasn't premeditated, but even it was, their parents abused them for years. That alone is a mitigating factor.

[@vonDrouver3000]

​@@sandyt7225Have you been through such sexual abuse? Most likely not so please shut your mouth

[@glitter7777]

I agree but they could have gotten off their spoiled lazy tails and go work. They were grown men no excuse. They were not in imminent danger at risk to lose their life or great bodily harm.

[@binniparis8024]

Jails, rehabs, brothels, cemeteries are full of abused children. We need to find a way to support these children and teens as youth and break the cycle of abuse. As a survivor I broke the cycle - it is possible and has generational effects not to mention economic savings. Xx

[@SueKivley]

It astonishes me how many people are misinformed. These BOYS were horrifically abused by their father, for YEARS, and their mother ignored it. No, I don't believe that means you should unalive them. BUT, these boys have spent over 20 years in prison. They are very remorseful for their actions. IMO they deserve a chance to live life outside of bars. They are not serials and it's very unlikely they would ever reoffend. SMH at all the haters.

[@chattahuffman5117]

They were adults, not boys. And they are not remorseful. They put on the crocodile tears when it suited them from day one.

[@nikics1]

33 years now they’ve spent in prison for doing what needed to be done.

[@tammymakin2492]

@@chattahuffman5117 They where boys 'the male brain doesnt finish developing till up to 27 The desition makeing part of the brain Be nice to be so fortunete to not understand what they went through There father eas a monster/ tyrent' the mother a bitter depressed drunk Abuser also Physical/ sexual' verbal' torterouse rape'pushed physically with fear fear also 'sports' The fathers sister testified to this and more'many whitneses'there reactions are typical of a victim PTSD no doubr dissociation to cope Torture from the most importent development years A powerful father' no escape Get educated on abuse 'espeically to this degree

[@tammymakin2492]

Agree

[@Globelle]

Especially considering we all have done wrong, maybe not murder but I believe they deserve another chance.

[@tillitrueheart971]

Loved the retired guard’s professionalism and informed perspective. Thank you!

[@Jennifermcintyre]

Man. I don’t know why this case brings out the most aggressive comments in the chat!! Fighting with people in the chat isn’t going to change anything… this will play out in court.

[@carrow1057]

This is 100% the new format to embrace. None of that nonsense 6-10 minute bites. We love the content, analyses from #BestGuests #BestFormat

[@jeanbeans7926]

AB is right on with the importance of respect. Parents everywhere need to step it up.

[@CrimeSceneTape]

I freaking love this so much! Knowledge is power and can bring change for the better! Thank you for having the courage to listen to different perspectives on a variety of subjects! LIVE THIS CHANNEL!!💜💜

[@JCluvsdogs]

Major kudos to you, Joel for having a former CO & convict on the same podcast together! 👏 You just went up in my estimation. I worked in a state prison for three years. When younger I was in prison ministry for several years. AB, keep up the good work! Great to hear what you had to say. Hector, thank you for serving our country & keeping the streets safe while you worked CA Corrections.

[@mauiswift6391]

Great show Joel, the guests were so fascinating to listen to.

[@sheiladale6802]

Love your channel… ALWAYS interesting, informative and provocative guests. Thank you!!

[@hanagloriaedelblum5693]

What an insightful and kind former prisoner! He clearly sharpened his communication skills in prison. The guard perceptively said words are the most effective tool to keep peace. Great show. I'm always surprised and glad to find truth tellers. G-d bless and all success to you!

[@Paula-po9kx]

Thank you Joel. Great guest and chat

[@DanielMulloy-bg6gw]

My father was a Lt. At Graterford State prison outside of Philadelphia... he carried a 357 magnum in a shoulder holster whenever we went out... I remember being at the mall and someone yelled his nickname " hey, Hollywood.) We kept walking and latter he told me he was a former prisoner....

[@djholliday5132]

THAT is scary. C.O.'s & all law enforcement officers really have to be on guard at all times. Very stressful.

[@DanielMulloy-bg6gw]

@@djholliday5132 I think I was too young to know i should be afraid , really. He would have killed the guy if he followed outside and tried anything....

[@littlezentz]

You can't compare Hector to a regular CO. He was a Lieutenant. The game changes big time after that. He has to keep officers out of trouble AND the offenders.

[@maryamdavoodi8385]

I've been obsessed with Menendez case for months and I've watched all videos about them including their trial videos. So here's my feeling after watching this video : I understand the ex guard point of view, but I think he wasn't the proper one to interview. He didn't know anything valuable thing to say. Are we supposed to judge brothers based on his one interaction which brothers wanted to be in some line? ☺ If we are free to say whatever we think, he is the one who seems arrogant which lessens his credibility (at least for me). he got what he wanted and like all other random people in this case using the opportunity to get some attention.

[@jstephenj]

Well, consider the source and why the hate is being directed at Hector in the first place. The Menendez brothers have a fervent following who want them released from prison. They have a narrative that the brothers deserve freedom and that their heinous crimes should not have condemned them to life without parole. That is what they feel, but because of the depravity of their crimes, it has always been incumbant of them to minimize the crimes that they committed that landed them in prison in the first place, and to basically project any moral shortcomings of the brothers onto anyone who has held them to account for their crimes or anyone who dares to go on the record as being skeptical of the brothers in general. Beginning with José and Kitty Menendez, the Menendez Brothers and their supporters have always deflected and spin doctored their way out of any accountability by impugning anyone with a dissenting voice, so them trying to brand Hector Bravo as some random grifter seeking his 15 minutes of fame is par for the course with these folks, because it is never the fault of Erik and Lyle Menendez and anyone who dares to say anything other than the carefully crafted revisionist history that they and others like Robert Rand have tried to portray them as over the years are somehow bad faith actors who have a hidden agenda and are therefore part of a diabolical web to keep the brothers incarcerated forever, neverminding the fact that they were convicted of double murder in the first degree nearly three decades ago. Everyone from José and Kitty Menendez, to Judge Weisberg, reporter Dominick Dunne, all the prosecutors from the first and second trials, witnesses like Jamie Pizsarcik, Glenn Stevens, Jerome Oziel and others, detectives like Les Zoeller and Tom Linehan, or relatives like Brian and Milton Anderson -- somehow they all had it in for the poor Menendez brothers, who to supporters should be seen as totally blameless in this entire gruesome saga. None of these players would even be relevant to the brothers if not for the decisions they made in 1989, and yet all these years later the brothers and their supporters are always quick to brand these folks as liars, opportunitists, corrupt, greedy, promiscuous, etc. without so much as once pondering on the very irony of having the audacity to question the moral terpitude of those who had investigated, prosecuted, or testified against them in their murder trial in the first place. It's true that Mr. Bravo may not be someone in the know on the level of central figures like David Conn or Gil Garcetti, but he has probably had more interaction with Erik and Lyle Menendez over the course of these past seven years than any of the sympathetic Menendez jurors from the first trial, I would hazard to guess. As a prison guard, he no doubt has a more up close and personal insight on the brothers than most average folks do. And prison is a harsh environment, so for anyone to claim that the brothers are somehow above the fray are being naive. It would be nice if David Conn were still alive today to counter Erik and Lyle Menendez's attempt to walk free like Vincent Bugliosi was to counter Charles Manson and his followers into the 1990's and 2000's. But unfortunately, as more and more figures central to the Menendez prosecution pass on, the brothers have been given carte blanche to spread their lies unchallenged. I feel that one of the reasons why there's a strong chance of Manson Family member, Leslie Van Houten could be set free is because we don't have Vincent Bugliosi around today as a firewall or check on these sort of travesties.

[@Muirmaiden]

@@jstephenj Stop it. Those "witnesses" were all proven to be unreliable. Your own personal experiences have nothing to do with this case, and you conveniently ignore the evidence that corroborates the brothers' defense.

[@Jan-zv7ze]

Oh my gosh! My mind changed midway with these speakers! So much to think about..thank you all.

[@pointerlover3492]

Great show, but Hector didn’t know much about the case, or the brothers. Seeing them in the yard doesn’t mean you knew them.

[@precious4641]

Yeah it was clear they never seen the trial. Which is a shame to judge before knowing the truth.

[@janeferguson4455]

What bothered me was that his first description of one of the brothers was his physical appearance.... i.e. " ripped"....... That disgusts me !

[@pointerlover3492]

@@janeferguson4455 , I agree.

[@carolstevens1722]

Fascinating discussion. Respect for all of you!

[@EilysMom]

Joel Thank you so much for this!

[@realist4real]

This was really good, thanks!

[@FknNefFy]

🇺🇸If Hector killed anyone fighting for our country, HE IS A MURDERER. Fact. The Menendez brother are too-They also had a very good reason for killing - they were tortured growing up in that house (not that it’s RIGHT, but they had a reason) NOW… if hector killed anyone in war… I want to know: What did that person do to him? (And if he didn’t, he was still willing to) I understand the world is fkd up and people kill eachother when they disagree or want something. But to me that is WAY WORSE than killing someone’s who has hurt or is trying to hurt you. Yet because WE are “team America” (just by virtue of where we happened to be born or live now), we call Hector a “hero” for MURDERING someone for being on the other “team” and the menendez brothers “evil sociopaths” for killing their abuser and torturers (their parents who happened to be the ones to give birth to them). ….Sounds reasonable 🙄 I mean… sounds ass backwards. As to the EX CON… he says they are clearly sociopaths, but he CLEARLY DOESNT KNOW anything about their story he just knows what the media portrayed and he has no blame or basis to judge them. I’m curious what HIS crimes were and if HE deserved to be released. Just because somebody has changed their life doesn’t mean they didn’t do what they did or hurt who they hurt. But I don’t know what his crimes were. Maybe he should be free but he has NO insight or ability to make a fair judgement about the brothers. (As I was typing this he realized they were raped and says now they should get out. ….Exactly my point) AND FOR THE UNINFORMED COMMENTERS. Why. 😒we don’t need you uninformed opinion. You’re just embarrassing yourself with that noose 🤫We know there are Aholes in the world… you don’t need to announce yourself. ✌🏻😘

[@FknNefFy]

AB is cool 😎

[@sadgequeen6990]

Oh, I thought he said they were sociopaths when they committed the crime.

[@Bumsy727]

I don't think anyone who hasn't suffered SA and/or rape would ever understand the life one loses, by these perpetrators, especially their parents, who are supposed to protect and care from them. That abused child is victimized the rest of their lives. The emotional, mental anguish we suffer from can become unbearable, and common sense will break depending on the inner self and survival that washes over them/us. I know, I've been trying to survive my youth, and I'll never know what or who I could have become had my innocence and trust hadn't been ripped from me for so many years. Those brothers, because they were male, were convicted because in a man's world, they were supposed to 'be a man and take it', which is so deeply wrong. They were made example of the male ego,, and it set a very bad precedence for the rest of male victims going through this live murder of a person. Had it been two sisters, it would have been the other side of the coin. Yes, they should be freed, and deserve a second chance. If it were to happen again in this day and time, I fear men would face the same precedence as the brothers did so many years ago. Thank God for Corey Feldman having enough strength to stand up for male SA and rape. It's wrong period, whether you're male or female. Free those young men, and let their time in jail be enough to shut the dead inside their heart the hell up! 1:03:41

[@abigailsanchez7722]

Exactly

[@donnawhitney9356]

I’m 71 and because of my childhood sexual, emotional and physical abuse I will never heal. Can you know what it’s like to want to be dead almost every day and wanting to be happy. I will never full be well no matter how long I live. I even have trouble with my relationship with God damaged because I wasn’t protect by the father. We call God our father in heaven but when our earthly father fails us or abuse or shows no love our relationship with God can be damaged. I hate that most of all

[@cjking4511]

I disagree. Lots of people have suffered child SA but they do not kill their parents and they do not feel they are "victimized the rest of their lives." Everyone is not that weak. I suffered child SA but I do not share your mindset. I simply got over it.

[@Bumsy727]

@cjking4511 I appreciate your comment. I disagree with you because this invasion by another person upon you goes deeper than just brushing it away and walking off. The psyche is very complicated for each person, and the invasion of your personal space leaves you wary of other people. The trust you once had is never the same. If you can walk around like nothing happened in your inner self, you're either trying to fool yourself or others. People do snap and end up doing things they never thought they would. Those boys' minds hadn't reached full maturation, and they felt no way out because of the power of their father and the lack of care from their parents. Their "no" was taken from them. They deserve another chance. Abuse, no matter what it is, is wrong!

[@Bumsy727]

@donnawhitney9356 Donna, my heart goes out to you. I understand how you feel. I hope that before you leave this earth, you can stop feeling guilt, fear, and lack of self-worth. None of this was your fault. Stop carrying the sin of your abuser. Forgive yourself and them. Find peace in knowing you have the power to forgive, or your abuser will continue to abuse you as they have in your life. God will deal with them way better than you or I ever could. Please trust yourself enough to be that bigger person. I'll pray for you! 😪❤️‍🔥🙏💔

[@filmsgilmore]

this guy can’t even tell the difference between the brothers yet feels the need to call them entitled. he even admits they never did anything violent or out of pocket. he just seems bitter that people support them 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@sunnymoondog]

Also, being entitled isn't a reason to keep them in jail anyway. They are allowed to be unlikable to a guard.

[@filmsgilmore]

@@sunnymoondog exactly!!!

[@Angela-219]

He loves his boots so much

[@carolbamforth7475]

He’s looking for his 2 second of fame…… Joel, what are you doing!,,,

[@sunnymoondog]

​@@filmsgilmore but... maybe I need to listen to this again. The guest didn't say they shouldn't be let out, did he? I think the title of the video is misleading?

[@gypsyfirefly8009]

After working 10 years in a CA prison, inmates were not my problem. I never had an issue with them. As a female I was targeted by the lesbian CO’s which have a strong presence & go after straight female CO’s & try to convert them by intimidation. On the other side, not all but a good measure of male CO’s think the place is a dating pool. Sexual harassment from both sexes of CO’s is alive & thriving in prisons. The upper admin is also highly corrupt right up to the wardens.

[@meanie330]

I'm sorry to hear that! My teenage daughter wants to go into law enforcement and over the years I have successfully pushed her from beat cop/prison guard to forensics/criminal profiling lol desk work.

[@kathleenjamieson7550]

Joel I love your show and your guests! I agree…it’s very interesting and informative to listen to all kinds of people and their experiences.

[@clareheasly5554]

This was awesome thx

[@cedarpinelife]

Thank you for having both these men as guests. While I do not agree with letting the Menendez Brothers out, I appreciate the perspectives shared here.

[@craigsiedman3974]

They should have been let out years ago, such a miscarriage of justice

[@LearnIt.KnowIt.LiveIt.]

I call bs. I had a CO who worked at Donovan and told me they were respectful. They were abused.

[@chasityyoung815]

STS never disappoints. Great episode!!

[@dollybaby7391]

Child abusers do not deserve a second chance period! There are some things you can not come back from!!!

[@abigailsanchez7722]

Exactly! And that is stealing away a child’s innocence and sense of security.

[@cjking4511]

No only proven child abusers. All you have in terms of evidence is the word of two murderers and even their word does not meet the legal requirements of imminent danger from their parents

[@HiMartina]

brilliant show! Thank you from Switzerland🇨🇭🇨🇭

[@norlavine]

Bravo for all three gents today! Won't find this candid content anywhere else.Thank you♥

[@mistygalica4491]

Another great show and Guests.

[@FearIsaLiar]

Some can't be rehabilitated. Some can. Psychopaths never get better

[@maritfaye212]

For the most a silent listener,but this is a great channel🙏🙌🙏 Greetings from a sunny Norway 🇳🇴🌞😎

[@ginaiannucci]

Great show!

[@hlowrylong]

I’m at 11:18 … fair and balanced STS!!! It’s 123123 6:00pm EST & you’ve been my favorite channel in 2023. HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and your lovely mother, and I pray for your family with the loss of your dad this year. God Bless You All!!

[@karccrn]

Loved this show!

[@InSD58]

June 4 2023 just wanted to say thank you for having theses guys on! DONT LISTEN to all the other people giving you grief!

[@malvarado5955]

Set them free !!!

[@kindheart2127]

They never should have been locked up. They were being horribly abused and they had to stop the abuse.

[@Thomas-fk3cw]

No, they qrre 21 and 18, they could have left if their abuse was even true. And xmzero reason to kill their Mom. They are creepy sociopaths that wanted their parents money.

[@glitter7777]

They could have moved out. They did this bc they didn’t want to live up to their parents expectations but didn’t want to lose the fortune

[@fafalina2000]

Excellent as always Joel 👍

[@lauriestaltari7107]

Great interview

[@hala9175]

Thanks!

[@ktisdel1]

So much information!! Thank you! I don’t understand all the hate for Hector, I admire him speaking out against the system! He’s not here as a menendez brothers expert but as someone who has amazing insights into this topic.

[@mauiswift6391]

Well said!

[@Rae777]

I don’t understand either. It really felt like people wanted to shut down any opinion that might not align with their own and I don’t understand that mentality. He’s not promoting anything harmful, he was talking about the system and what he observed with the Menendez brothers.

[@ktisdel1]

Ya. Really bothered me a lot the level of disrespect for him. He’s doing a job as difficult and risky as the military (you heard him!). So we should be GRATEFUL for his SERVICE! 🙏🏼

[@Tennisgirl101]

I would have liked to hear more about sirhan. Hope you have the guard again

[@sunnymoondog]

Good episode!

[@WFOKARTER84]

I'm super impressed hotel you had these guys on, cause they both have my most respect for saying it the way it is. I was across the street in prison for almost a year. At George Bailey. Lots of politics in so cal. Loved the video. Keep the awesome work STS nation

[@coffeecated]

I have the respect for the guard but just because he thinks that those are not facts of course they know their place and know when to respect it’s not because they are or manipulating anyone, when knowing they are doing life. I think they deserve to go out!!!!

[@Mariapd1223]

First time I’ve watched your channel. Joel, excellent show. And, I believe Eric and Lyle should be released. They have done their time. Don’t condone murder, but I can understand the why.

[@remeebartolome9389]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊o

[@remeebartolome9389]

O

[@Connie-E]

Loved the show and guest this evening, but I do every night. This is the only channel that I just stay glued to to hear every word. I believe the brothers should get out of prison. They have served many many years, I feel like they have served a just amount of time for murder, and although I do not know them, I think they can live the remainder of their lives doing positive things. I do not think they would kill again Again, thanks for a great show.

[@ih8brusselssprouts]

Sorry I missed it! I will watch it now.

[@susanyamini]

I have so much respect of this gentleman the prison guard. Thank you for your services,it’s a hard job and everyday your life as at risk.

[@djholliday5132]

An example of how effed up the world is...people think Joel is great for having a convict on his show...and will "lose credibility" for having a VETERAN who was a correctional officer for many years. It's insane!!

[@mauiswift6391]

@@djholliday5132 yes it really is astonishing how wicked and crazy people get!

[@stanleynixon3583]

This is exactly why I watch you. Real people.

[@tammymakin2492]

It amazes me 'how people are misinformed & unaware of what horrific abuse they endured there hole childhoods Qith whats known about the effects of abuse in these tines 'frombearly years especially ' Particularly sexual abuse ( torture) the father was beond cruel 'his own family varified rhis & his charactor The mother also pedafile tendency mixes with insane jelousy 'her husband sezualy rapeing her son & beating him Starvibg himvat tines both Trwating him sub human Varified by many family members The brothers showed all the sighns dureing there case' The shame PtSD De value of them selves' The mother resenting her son & a complete drunk abusive The the sports physicaly pushing to exorsted 'then puniahed after It goes on and on As usual victims pay the price It astounds me so many peoples lack of understanding'to the effects Some feel its not ok they retaliated to stop the abuse torture rape Phycological abuse 'emotional Physical sexual 'verbal Unbelievable Theve done there time '

[@precious4641]

100% agree with you! No one actually watched the case!! Its crazy how they can have a strong opinion on someone and just go off what the media told them years ago! If they watch the case they would have a change of heart.

[@michellebarrassjones9653]

Love this ❤ so interesting as my daughter is a prison officer here in wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 U.K.

[@Angela-219]

Sociopathic bec they killed their parents?!? They KILLED THEIR ABUSERS

[@djholliday5132]

They were grown men. Not kids.

[@Angela-219]

@@djholliday5132 are you aware of the psychological affects severe trauma has on the developing brain? They literally stopped growing mentally and emotionally when the abuse happened

[@djholliday5132]

@@Angela-219 I'm really sorry you have a lot of issues. But, going through abuse as a child does not give someone a free pass to commit murder. Actions have consequences.

[@Angela-219]

@@djholliday5132 you have no idea the “issues” I have. I just understand psychological effects on the brain. I’m Sorry you don’t. Actions have consequences and they’ve served their time.

[@precious4641]

At 18 years old they are kids!!! Especially when they were being controlled their whole lives every way possible. Show me an 18 year old thats a grown man!

[@radiancecooper5677]

This guard is a literal creep.

[@Globelle]

I LOVE these two!!!

[@abigailsanchez7722]

I’ve said this once, and I’ll serve less time in prison than the brothers have. Should the brothers have gone to prison? Yes they should have and they did. But come on 34+ years. Give me a break. I’ve always believed they were molesters by their father every since I watched the trial back in the 1990s. They had suffered abuse at the hands of their own father and neglect by their own mother. Let them out now. They’ve been punished long enough.

[@Lofilifer1]

I’m glad you are having the discussion about Erik and Lyle with so many varied guests on the show that are from different backgrounds. It is refreshing. I think they should get out. They have served their time. As others have stated, CPS then wasn’t as much of a thing, especially when power and wealth are involved. I remember people would put signs in their windows saying that they are a safe house for kids to go to. I doubt those people were well vetted, but the point is you went to your neighbors, not the police first. This was in the late 80’s/early 90’s when it was a thing. When my parents divorced when I was 13, it became clear that my mother wasn’t fit to be a single parent. I experienced food insecurity, needs not being met, etc. and just had no parents anymore and was too young to work. We had fleas infestation so bad in the house for so long that I went into 9th grade with flea bites everywhere and actually on me. I never thought about calling CPS because I didn’t know it existed. This was between ‘92-‘93. Also, just for reference There was no sex offender registry that you could just look up online. Things were different. And what drives me crazy about this case is how people can’t get past the entitlement and wealth factor. The dad was rich, their environment was luxurious. Sure, it probably looked like they were “spoiled,” but they really weren’t. At their ages, the fact that they went on spending sprees after was another way to stick it to the parents, esp. dad. I think that again goes to them NOT being spoiled, but more so immature at 18 and 20. A lot of kids their age would’ve been impulsive as well. It makes perfect sense to me and was not the primary reason at all, they just took advantage of the resources they had. Regardless, organisms do what is normal in their environment. It was normal to buy new sports cars and Rolex watches and such in their environment, BH. Having no empathy just because they did what was normal in their privileged environment is just missing the point entirely. They were tormented. The SA/CA was a terrible family secret that no one was going to go outside the family about. That’s what people did, kept family secrets. And that’s why we have inter generational trauma in families. But empathy and compassion are not only something for poor people. I think people confuse having material possessions as being loved. They are not correlated.

[@misperception985]

I've followed the Menendez case since the beginning & I always felt an injustice as the Menendez brothers were convicted to LWOP & they were abused children! They were guilty of manslaughter, but not premediated murder! I appreciate & applaud the prison guards military service; however, I think he's an opportunist in the Menendez saga. With the new information being revealed, I think, Hector, the prison guard is capitalizing on the notoriety of this case. The Menendez brothers have served more than enough time for their crime!

[@sandyt7225]

So if someone kills 2 people you love and claim they abuse them It would be OK if they would be released.

[@Muirmaiden]

@@sandyt7225 Actually, their family members support them (many testified on their behalf) and want them to be free. This is why people should watch the first trial.

[@janeferguson4455]

The guard SMIRKS while the other inmate's description of Lyle is being read......

[@lisanagle7893]

I hope they get released because fact is they were horribly abused by the Father and Mother didn't seem to care.

[@Thomas-fk3cw]

So if the Mother pssibky suspected, but wasn't sure, she deserved to be gunned down. Ridiculous. They couod have left, reported the Dad to authorities. It was a BS embellished defense.

[@glitter7777]

@@Thomas-fk3cw exactly. It’s called accountability. Just because they were abused doesn’t excuse their actions. They were 18 and 21. There’s no reason they could not leave home. Get a job and move on with their lives. People said they couldn’t leave, but they managed to leave to go anywhere else, including going to buy two shotguns. so they could have left instead of going to buy two shotguns. They could’ve went straight to the authorities.

[@nora__]

I don’t understand why people were hating so much on Hector in the live chat? Maybe I missed something but I didn’t hear him say anything that seemed too controversial. Someone help me out…

[@paperchaser29]

Joel, it would be great if you could include a guest who could address the fact that Erik and Lyle, having grown up in an abusive environment then moving directly to 30+ years of incarceration may not be ready for life on the outside. I keep thinking of the character in Shawshank Redemption who gained his freedom after 50 years.

[@Tennisgirl101]

I love both these guests. So grateful the guard willing to speak the truth about these murderers

[@kathylelong3348]

Great show. I have great respect for Hector coming out and talking about the bad things going on in the prison system. I did have a problem with him talking about the brothers maybe killing again and saying they might say they would want to kill him after hearing him talk about about them on this show. He made a point of saying he did not get to know them in prison, he only observed them in the yard and sometimes in security lines. I don't feel that puts him in any position in judge whether or not they would kill again. He went on to talk about how they were involved in a lot of prison programs and they have never gotten into any trouble in over 30 years in prison. it is well known that they have helped a lot of other prisoners adjust and get into programs. He also made the comment that he expected them to fight when they were put in the same prison together "because brothers fight". Seems he makes a lot of unbased judgements about them. I agree with the comment Lyle's wife wrote into Josh about Hector . Otherwise he seems like a good guy. Loved the other two men also.😊

[@filmsgilmore]

exactly

[@megmeyer7563]

Good show Joel

[@beadragon1048]

Incredible interview! Subscribed!

[@jessicaponticello8937]

While there’s no justification for what the menendez brothers did how can anyone not understand why they did it? They have served enough time. They really should be released I firmly believe they are not a danger to society! I really hope they get released!

[@sandyt7225]

If they release two people who commit premeditated murder of two people based on abuse claims.then you have to release all the other murders who claim these were abused.

[@Muirmaiden]

@@sandyt7225 They killed their abusers who posed a threat to them their entire lives. That's not the same as someone killing an innocent or random person and using past abuse as a defense.

[@glitter7777]

@@Muirmaidenthe abuse claims was made up as an attempt to get off. Fact is they were two spoiled losers and because their dad wanted them to be responsible, they killed him.

[@sandyphelps8684]

This was a fantastic show, one of my favourites. Thank you Joel for being fair and ready to educate people. It’s so sad that people would shut their minds to learn.

[@loreleiletslivetogether3767]

I’m still not clear on why they feel it’s justified to kill their mother because their father sexually abused them

[@Angela-219]

Bec mom allowed it and knew all along. Just as bad imo. Mom kept her mouth shut an essentially abandoned her sons bec she loved the money

[@Jan-zv7ze]

Whatever happened to them..their parents did not deserve to die by their children's hands in such an over the top violent manner, or any manner..Plus the children had NO REMORSE and did not come forward with the abuse charges until years later..But, they sure were anxious on spending all that money that came to them after the killings.

[@precious4641]

Well their dad was a pedophile and he raped them for years!! They always spent money like that. It was very normal to them. If you would have watched the case you would know more about the father from the family testimony including his sistets.

[@micheletoussaint5168]

Is this a serious comment?Are you for real? Did you follow the trial thirty years ago? Were you even alive? Which of these is your excuse for not being well acquainted with the facts of the case presented then? Their mother was what is defined as an Enabler, this means she was Fully Aware of the Horror her young children were enduring day after day, for Years, yet None of the protective instincts toward the children of her womb were stirred up to protect them??! Recent accounts revealed her husband also raped someone else's child simply because he had access and abused his trust. Who knows what other victims of his remained silent? People who think like you do, are what's wrong with our world. People like you looked the other way for years whilst those young boys were raped. When the nasty truth comes out, you blame the victim. Remorse you say? For what? Ridding the world of two twisted Monsters??

[@donnawhitney9356]

Because she knew what was happening and she did nothing to protect them. Not saying what they did was right or wrong. But as a SA victim myself I know abuse causes you to have a life sentence all by itself. I will never be who I could have been had I not been abused. They served longer than they should have so they should be given freedom. I feel that Lyle was more to blame. I feel he influenced Eric. Eric was abused longer and at the time of the killing had just been informed that he wasn’t going to have it stop. I think he broke and Lyle told him what to do. Eric used to being what to do did what he always did which was do as told.

[@Dink1963]

Glad u invited these guests. Each have the right to speak

[@sunnymoondog]

Not sure why Hector is getting so much hate in the comments. He was good in the Luis Chaparro interview too.

[@honesty5964]

Good show. Time served… time to be on the outside

[@nickinoonah]

Hey Joel from the UK, loved this live on replay, great guests!!

[@MrPearlsareforever]

I have no idea how these inmates control? Arrogant and mouthy.....these thugs are being punished.

[@ccrampton29]

It was brought to my attention! Remember “rewind” that strong courage man stood up to his uncles. He stayed silent, until he knew it was happening to his lil sister. Then he told. The moment he told. It stopped happening to them. Only because they had good parents that backed them. It happened to his dad and he never told, until his son gave him courage and he wished he told sooner. It’s hard to speak up please if this is or has happened to u, SPEAK up. U did nothing wrong. The abuser is the one that is wrong. Ppl will listen to u. Tell the person that is good when Joe is looking to tell.

[@MsPoodlepie]

What kind of psychopath would marry and inmate? Very low self esteem!!

[@shrutefarms4741]

The brothers have paid their dues. If even 1/4 of what they said was true, their parents were the worst of the worst and the boys eventually cracked under the pressure. Let them out.

[@sloppyoppie]

I was Calabasas high class of '97 and word on the street was pops was a rapist. This area had lots of kid fondling going on when I was in high school. The Jewish temple across the street had like 15 teen boys on their menu and that lasted 20 years. One of my girlfriend's dads was caught up in a pregnancy with her older sister. Lots of stories like that. My friend parents were either porn stars, drug dealers or movie stars.. Early 90's Calabasas gave trailer parks a run for their money.

[@livingintheforest3963]

These men should be given another chance because there is cooberating evidence that they were molested there’s proof that they were very viciously molested by their father, a very vicious, cold man who ran RCA with a iron fist.

[@djholliday5132]

They were rich, entitled, GROWN MEN, who had every opportunity in life. They weren't little kids. They could've just moved out & gotten jobs instead of murdering both of their parents.

[@livingintheforest3963]

I understand what you’re saying and I agree there are better options. But the horrific abuse they went through it’s just we don’t know because we’ve not been through it. They were being raped every day, and their father even had the head of a dog that was cut off that he put in the refrigerator.

[@Angela-219]

@@djholliday5132 money doesn’t take away the trauma of repeated rape. And no, they weren’t emotionally capable of just leaving. You literally have zero idea and need to seriously educate yourself along with not being so quick to judge

[@jimmyc2917]

I believe in 2nd chances. I hear more positives from them than negatives since they have been in prison If the allegations are true about their dad sexually abusing them , then yes they deserve freedom after 30 years doing time. Great show as always Joel

[@sandyt7225]

And you also have to release all other premeditated murders that claim abuse.

[@SonOfAGun1814]

hector was there 3 years before lyle came over and he acts like he can't tell them apart....... ooooooooook......

[@tnt01]

The menendez brothers look nothing alike.

[@chasityyoung815]

Wow i have a relative serving time in Indiana. He just sent me an email the other day, and it said the programs are a joke. They are just pen to paper given by underpaid staff who could care less if you are rehabiliated. The prisons are well funded, but they choose take so many shortcuts with things like that. You would think they would spend more money to help the ones who really want to go home and stay home, to never reoffend and become a better memeber of society. They don't think these inmates WILL be back in society regardless. Their mind set when they do get out should definitely be important.

[@itsjustmet1743]

That’s the problem with privatizing anything that has to deal with human lives.

[@coffeecated]

The mom didn’t only ignored it she abused them too and she even wanted to kill herself cause she hide the terrible secrets.

[@lukaprimozic2361]

They were sexually abused by their own father, and the mother didn't do anything about it. The parents absulutely deserved it!!

[@kasthooriepollmeier2700]

PRIESTS HAVE MOLESTED/ COVERED UP/MOVED AWAY/ BUT NO REPURCUSSIONS/ WHO WOULDNT WANT TO KILL THEM TO STOP OTHER CHILDREN BEING MOLESTED/ DO WE DO IT - QUESTIONABLE/DEPENDS HOW DEEP ARE YOUR FEELINGS & HELP FOR THE HELPLESS!!!!! EVEN THE POPE IGNORED IT - WHERE IS THE PASSAGE OF ESCAPE, PARENTS OR NOT!!!!!!

[@jeannehelmick5682]

Joel, this is very interesting. Hector, you keep being you and speaking the truth. Thank you

[@Globelle]

Look around, theres heinous things going on EVERYWHERE!!

[@MrTsTech]

Are we not talking about the almost 1 million dollars they blew on the shopping sprees they went on after they blew away both of their parents?

[@Thomas-fk3cw]

No, because that doesn't fit the script of their BS sob story to get out of prison.

[@graveburgers]

@@Thomas-fk3cwWhat BS sob story? What the brothers have said is true. Them spending money is irrelevant. I would be doing the same if I was finally free from my lifelong abusers.

[@zsantis3831]

I would have respected the CO‘s opinion more if he had just said that the brothers did the crime and they need to finish their time. We are all entitled to our opinion. However, instead he provided an account of how the brothers mind, their peas and queues, walk where they’re supposed to walk, mostly keep to themselves, don’t get into fights (even with each other), etc., and then adamantly states that the brothers should stay in prison and his only supporting statement is that they give him bad vibes. Wow. His portion of the interview was a complete waste of time.