In 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez —then aged 21 and 18—sparked a extremely publicized trial after brutally murdering their dad and mom of their Beverly Hills mansion.
The case resurfaced lately with renewed curiosity, largely due to Ryan Murphy‘s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, adopted by a Netflix documentary that featured beforehand unreleased cellphone name recordings between the brothers and director Alejandro Hartmann.
With the brand new collection, documentaries, and ongoing public curiosity, many are nonetheless left questioning if the Menendez brothers have been launched. To study extra about their case and the place they stand in the present day, maintain studying.
What Did Lyle and Erik Menendez Do?
The brothers murdered their dad and mom, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menéndez, in 1989 with shotguns.
After committing the crime, Lyle and Erik spent an estimated $700,000 of their inheritance, in response to Time Journal. They turned suspects when Erik confessed to their psychologist, Dr. Jerome Oziel, throughout a remedy session. Oziel’s mistress, Judalon Smyth, later reported the confession to the police. Regardless of the doctor-patient confidentiality usually afforded in remedy, Oziel performed a major position within the brothers’ trials, claiming they’d threatened his life.
Had been the Menendez Brothers Launched from Jail?
Lyle and Erik haven’t been launched and stay incarcerated.
Nevertheless, the brothers’ case has been beneath evaluate, and the potential for resentencing and launch is turning into extra seemingly. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter in late September, a habeas corpus petition citing new proof may result in new sentences for the 2. The 2023 petition features a sworn assertion from former Menudo member Roy Rosselló, who alleged that he was sexually assaulted by the brothers’ father, José, within the Nineteen Eighties. Moreover, the petition highlights a letter Erik wrote to a cousin months earlier than the killings, suggesting he was a sufferer of abuse. On the time, District Lawyer George Gascón confirmed {that a} new court docket listening to was scheduled for November 29, 2024.
Gascón additionally filed a movement on Oct. 30 supporting the Menendez brothers’ request for clemency from Governor Gavin Newsom. Describing the brothers as “mannequin prisoners,” Gascón instructed CNN that he believes there’s a sturdy probability they might be granted parole if the case reaches the parole board. An lawyer for one of many brothers expressed hope that they might be house in time for Thanksgiving.
Gascón was lately unseated by former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman, who is about to take workplace on December 2. Hochman said he’ll want time to evaluate case information earlier than taking a place on the resentencing.
“I should evaluate the confidential jail information for every brother, the transcripts from each trials, and converse to the prosecutors, legislation enforcement, protection counsel, and the victims’ relations. Solely then can I decide. If for some cause I want further time, I’ll ask the court docket for that point.”
“If I ask for a delay, it received’t be a delay for delay’s sake as a result of I believe the Menendez brothers, the sufferer relations, the general public should have a choice performed as quickly as it may be performed in an intensive method,” Hochman added. A listening to on resentencing is scheduled for December 11.
The place Are Lyle and Erik Now?
Each Lyle and Erik are serving their sentences on the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in California. They have been reunited in 2018 on the jail, after initially being despatched to separate prisons following their 1996 conviction.
Throughout their time aside, Lyle spoke to PEOPLE in 2017, sharing that, regardless of the crime, the ordeal introduced them nearer. They stayed in contact by enjoying chess by means of the mail and writing letters to one another. “We’re not twins, however once you’ve gone by means of the form of chaotic childhood that we had, it’s virtually like you might be. You could have that bond and that shared expertise,” he mentioned.
How Lengthy Are Their Sentences?
The brothers have been sentenced to life in jail with out the potential of parole for the murders of their dad and mom. Their trials started in 1993, and so they have been discovered responsible in 1996.
In the event you or anybody you recognize has been sexually abused, name the Nationwide Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A skilled employees member will present confidential, judgment-free assist in addition to native sources to help in therapeutic, recovering and extra.
In the event you or somebody you recognize is fighting substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Psychological Well being Companies Administration (SAMHSA) Nationwide Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP(4357).
