I’ve been really sad lately because of the Menendez brothers’ case. Ten hours of the trial was enough for me; their testimony was incredibly intense. I cried with them and wished I could have been there to hug their inner child—severely abused emotionally, physically, and mentally throughout their lives.

As painful as it is to think they went from one prison to another, I believe if they hadn’t been caught, Eric might have ended up becoming a drug addict, unable to get the help he needed. In prison, I feel he’s been able to grow emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. In a way, he’s now free, because there are no more secrets to keep. The truth is setting him free, and I can see it in the man he has become, despite his circumstances. He has made a positive impact on others, which is a testament to his inner strength.

Lyle, too, has accomplished so much. To me, he is a true hero, he saved his little brother and potentially prevented more victims from suffering. He could have turned his back on his brother, but despite their upbringing, which lacked loyalty and love, Lyle chose to break the family chains. His strength and resilience in helping others show the kind of person he truly is.