The interest in the Menendez Brothers case, which involved Erik and Lyle Menendez killing their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989, has increased, becoming popular on social media, particularly with the younger generation. A Netflix show—“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”—and documentary—“The Menendez Brothers”—were released recently, playing a big part in the popularity of the case today. Although the murders of the brothers’ parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, happened over 35 years ago, the case has resurfaced, with a possible resentencing that could free them from prison.
The brothers were proven guilty of first degree murder in 1996 in their second trial, after their first ended in a hung jury, and they were sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. In the first trial, the brothers claimed their father had sexually abused them all throughout their childhood and teenage years. They claimed their father had threatened to kill them multiple times, and felt that killing him was their only way to freedom. The main reason for the hung jury was due to some of the male jurors’ inability to believe that a father could sexually abuse his sons in the 1990s.
Netflix released both the show and documentary last month. The documentary is a true crime film that interviews the brothers about the case. However, the show, “Monsters,” is completely different. Although based on the real case, the creator, Ryan Murphy, depicts the brothers, especially Lyle Menendez, very negatively. Many believe the brothers and their relationship are portrayed wrongfully in this series.
“I believe that the show is taking a really sad story and twisting it into a different narrative, which paints innocent people who are victims of sexual assault as actual monsters and murderers,” FHS junior Vianna Moshtaghi said.
The brothers have admitted to and been proven guilty of the double murders of their parents. The real concern and controversy surrounding this case is the justification. There exists evidence that supports the claims of sexual assault, but there is no strong proof that puts this controversy to rest. This is why the brothers were not able to have their charges lifted, especially with many people being so close-minded in the 1990s.
“Murder is a really bad thing, so they do deserve some type of punishment, but given the backstory and background into the case, the amount of time they need to serve is unjustified,” Moshtaghi said.
The brothers are currently facing a resentencing, which aims to get them life with parole. This may just be the start of the path towards freedom for the brothers.
