Monsters: The story of Lyle and Erik Menendez has drawn attention to the Menendez brothers' case. Is it possible that their case will be reviewed? Hollywood Life presents all the details
3 october 2024 в 17:13
The story of the Menendez brothers, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, has brought new attention to the case of Erik Menendez and Lyle Menendez. The brothers have been in prison since 1996 for the murder of their parents, Jose Menendez and Mary Louise «Kitty» Menendez, whom Lyle and Erik accused of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Now, as a new generation looks at their story with a fresh perspective, could the case of the brothers be reopened? Hollywood Life has gathered all the details and updates on their imprisonment below.
In August 1989, Lyle and Erik fatally wounded their parents multiple times. The crime scene was gruesome, as Jose was shot six times, and Kitty was shot ten times. The brothers were criticized for living a lavish lifestyle in the months following their parents' death. Eventually, Erik confessed to the murders to his therapist, Jerome Oziel, who confided in his then-girlfriend, Judalon Smyth. She informed the police of Lyle and Erik’s involvement in the crime, and they were arrested in 1990.
After a retrial, Lyle and Erik were officially convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in 1996. They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Lyle and Erik were sent to different prisons in California after their conviction. Both are still alive and have spoken out about their case in the upcoming Netflix documentary «The Menendez Brothers», - set to be released on October 7, 2024.
The brothers were held in separate prisons until 2018, when Lyle was transferred to Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility. Although they were initially housed in different blocks of the prison, Lyle and Erik were placed in the same block in 2018. This was the first time the brothers had met in 22 years. According to many sources, Lyle and Erik were not allowed to speak on the phone until their meeting.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lyle and Erik may receive a new trial due to a habeas corpus petition. Although they had previously appealed their sentences, their late father was recently accused of sexual abuse by a member of the group Menudo. Additionally, new evidence has emerged potentially confirming that Jose had sexually abused both of his sons.
Shortly after the release of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix, Erik released a statement condemning the series for its portrayal of him and his brother.
«I believed that we had overcome the lies and destructive portrayal of Lyle, creating a caricature of Lyle based on the horrific and blatant lies spread in the show», - Erik noted. «I can only believe that it was done intentionally. With a heavy heart, I say that I believe Ryan Murphy cannot be so naive and inaccurate about the facts of our lives to do this without ill intentions».
In response to Erik and his family’s criticism of the show, Monster anthology co-author Ryan Murphy accused them of playing the victim card.
«The Menendez brothers should send me flowers», - Ryan told THR in September 2024. «They haven’t received this kind of attention in 30 years. And it has attracted attention not only in this country but around the world. There is a kind of surge of interest in their lives and their case… I know for a fact that many people have offered to help them because of the interest in my show and what we have done».
Ryan also noted that with Monsters, he told a «very broad canvas story», - referring to the defense of Lyle and Erik by Leslie Abramson, writer Dominick Dunne, and the story of Jose and Kitty.
«We also told the story of parents who shot themselves in the foot», - Ryan added. «We had an obligation to many people, not just to Erik and Lyle. But what I find so fascinating is that they are now playing the victim card — 'poor, pitiful us' - which I find contemptible and disgusting»
In August 1989, Lyle and Erik fatally wounded their parents multiple times. The crime scene was gruesome, as Jose was shot six times, and Kitty was shot ten times. The brothers were criticized for living a lavish lifestyle in the months following their parents' death. Eventually, Erik confessed to the murders to his therapist, Jerome Oziel, who confided in his then-girlfriend, Judalon Smyth. She informed the police of Lyle and Erik’s involvement in the crime, and they were arrested in 1990.
After a retrial, Lyle and Erik were officially convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in 1996. They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Lyle and Erik were sent to different prisons in California after their conviction. Both are still alive and have spoken out about their case in the upcoming Netflix documentary «The Menendez Brothers», - set to be released on October 7, 2024.
The brothers were held in separate prisons until 2018, when Lyle was transferred to Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility. Although they were initially housed in different blocks of the prison, Lyle and Erik were placed in the same block in 2018. This was the first time the brothers had met in 22 years. According to many sources, Lyle and Erik were not allowed to speak on the phone until their meeting.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lyle and Erik may receive a new trial due to a habeas corpus petition. Although they had previously appealed their sentences, their late father was recently accused of sexual abuse by a member of the group Menudo. Additionally, new evidence has emerged potentially confirming that Jose had sexually abused both of his sons.
Shortly after the release of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix, Erik released a statement condemning the series for its portrayal of him and his brother.
«I believed that we had overcome the lies and destructive portrayal of Lyle, creating a caricature of Lyle based on the horrific and blatant lies spread in the show», - Erik noted. «I can only believe that it was done intentionally. With a heavy heart, I say that I believe Ryan Murphy cannot be so naive and inaccurate about the facts of our lives to do this without ill intentions».
In response to Erik and his family’s criticism of the show, Monster anthology co-author Ryan Murphy accused them of playing the victim card.
«The Menendez brothers should send me flowers», - Ryan told THR in September 2024. «They haven’t received this kind of attention in 30 years. And it has attracted attention not only in this country but around the world. There is a kind of surge of interest in their lives and their case… I know for a fact that many people have offered to help them because of the interest in my show and what we have done».
Ryan also noted that with Monsters, he told a «very broad canvas story», - referring to the defense of Lyle and Erik by Leslie Abramson, writer Dominick Dunne, and the story of Jose and Kitty.
«We also told the story of parents who shot themselves in the foot», - Ryan added. «We had an obligation to many people, not just to Erik and Lyle. But what I find so fascinating is that they are now playing the victim card — 'poor, pitiful us' - which I find contemptible and disgusting»
© Kolganov Andrey
