Sacramento rapper Anerae "X-Raided" Brown, who was incarcerated for 26 years for his involvement in a murder, credits the Menendez brothers for guiding him towards a path of personal transformation while behind bars. Lyle Menendez, who encountered Brown at Mule Creek State Prison, was instrumental in teaching him "He was one of the first ones to teach me to utilize my influence in a way that would allow me to have positive outcomes to utilize my influence in a way that would allow me to have positive outcomes", X-Raided told "Extra", as detailed in KCRA 3.
The rapper, who has notably denied involvement in the trigger-pulling event leading to his sentence, was eventually paroled in 2018 after demonstrating significant rehabilitation, evidencing a committed shift from his gang-related past towards music and community involvement, but the journey was partly attributable to the persistent support from Erik and Lyle Menendez. They served their sentences for the murder of their parents, a case the brothers and their support base continue to argue was fundamentally influenced by a history of abuse, according to Latin Times.
X-Raided credits the Menendez brothers with inspiring him to pursue education and reshape his identity beyond his past actions. The brothers remain in prison but are appealing for release, as their case is being reexamined, partly due to a recent Peacock documentary highlighting abuse claims that may lead to a reevaluation of their conviction. California's new policies on life sentences could impact their appeal.
X-Raided has been vocal on social media, strongly advocating for the exoneration of the Menendez brothers. He calls for justice, highlighting recent revelations and the trauma that shaped their early lives. This trauma, recognized by the mental health community, can lead to a range of responses, from fight to fawn. This perspective has become a key part of the Menendez case and the broader conversation about how trauma affects young people in the criminal justice system, reports Latin Times.
Since his release, Brown has focused on his music career and leading initiatives to help at-risk youth avoid harmful lifestyles, using his own story as a cautionary tale and a symbol of redemption. His journey highlights the potential for rehabilitation in the penal system, emphasizing the importance of support systems, even in prison.