1 / 10
Murder of Their Parents – In 1989, Erik and Lyle Menendez brutally murdered their parents, José and Mary Louise Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. The shocking crime drew significant media attention.
2 / 10
Initial Story – The brothers initially claimed that they were victims of a home invasion, but their story began to unravel under police investigation.
3 / 10
Trial and Conviction – Their highly publicized trial began in 1993, leading to their conviction in 1996. They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
4 / 10
Motivation for the Murders – During the trial, it was revealed that the brothers were motivated by financial gain, hoping to inherit their parents' fortune. They were reportedly unhappy with their family life and felt mistreated.
5 / 10
Defense Strategy – The defense argued that the brothers were suffering from severe emotional distress and trauma due to alleged abuse by their parents. This strategy aimed to mitigate their culpability.
6 / 10
Psychological Profiles – Experts testified about the psychological profiles of the brothers, including claims of personality disorders and the impact of their upbringing on their actions.
7 / 10
Public Reaction – The case divided public opinion, with some viewing the brothers as spoiled and calculating, while others sympathized with their claims of abuse and emotional turmoil.
8 / 10
Living in Luxury Among Pop Royalty
José’s career brought the Menendez family to Beverly Hills, where Erik and Lyle enjoyed a life of privilege. They attended elite private schools and lived in a lavish Spanish-style mansion, once rented by music icons Prince and Elton John.
9 / 10
Lyle and Erik's Jewelry Theft
Before their murder trial, Lyle and Erik Menendez faced legal trouble in 1988 for stealing over $100,000 in jewelry and cash from neighbors to avoid asking their father for money. Erik was caught after a driving violation led to the discovery of stolen goods. Despite his anger, José hired a top attorney, pinning the crimes on Erik, a minor. The brothers avoided jail, with Erik receiving counseling, doing community service, and José paying restitution.
10 / 10
Legacy and Impact – The Menendez brothers' case has remained a significant part of criminal justice discussions and pop culture, influencing how cases of familial violence and financial motives are perceived.
With Netflix's Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story premiering this week, we revisit the infamous case of Erik and Lyle Menendez, who gained notoriety in the 1990s for their high-profile trial following the murder of their wealthy parents. Here are some key facts about the brothers.
Netflix’s new series explores these elements in depth, offering a fresh perspective on the infamous case and its broader implications.