Netflix’s gripping true-crime documentary, The Menendez Brothers, sheds new light on one of the most infamous cases in U.S. history: the 1989 murders of José and Kitty Menendez by their sons, Lyle and Erik. Directed by Alejandro Hartmann, this documentary offers a rare glimpse into the brothers’ lives through exclusive interviews, allowing them to speak publicly for the first time in nearly three decades. Viewers are taken behind the scenes of the sensational trials that gripped the nation, featuring insights from family members, legal experts, and individuals close to the case.

While much of the Menendez brothers’ story may feel familiar, Hartmann’s documentary adds depth through never-before-heard perspectives. The film builds on the renewed interest sparked by Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story by Ryan Murphy, but now, the brothers themselves take center stage. With over 20 hours of interviews, this documentary explores the allegations of abuse, the brothers’ defense, and the complexities behind their life sentences. For those fascinated by true crime, The Menendez Brothers offers an immersive look at a case that continues to captivate audiences over 30 years later.

7Erik Menendez’s Shock at the Police’s Lack of Suspicion

The Police Didn’t View Him And Lyle As Suspects

In The Menendez Brothers documentary, Erik Menendez expresses disbelief that the police didn’t immediately view him and Lyle as suspects. “The gunpowder residue was all over our hands,” Erik explains, baffled that officers didn’t conduct a simple test that would have led to their immediate arrest. He also mentions how the shotgun shells were still in their car, making their connection to the crime even more evident.

This oversight raises questions about the police’s investigative procedures, highlighting a critical failure in the initial response to the case.

This oversight raises questions about the police’s investigative procedures, highlighting a critical failure in the initial response to the case. Erik reflects on his fragile state of mind after the murders, claiming, “If they [police] would have just pressed me, I wouldn’t have been able to withstand any questioning.” He describes himself as “shell-shocked” and mentally overwhelmed, suggesting that he was not in a stable state to maintain a facade.

This vulnerability could have led him to easily confess under pressure, revealing the psychological impact of the traumatic events. His comments underscore the brothers’ emotional turmoil, as Erik grapples with the consequences of their actions while raising questions as to why they were not scrutinized more closely by law enforcement.

6The Menendez Brothers’ Spending Spree Wasn’t A Celebration

Their Extravagant Purchases Served As A Distraction From The Trauma

In both Monsters and real life, the Menendez brothers’ lavish spending after their parents’ murders drew significant attention. They purchased Rolex watches, a Porsche Carrera, and even laid down a deposit for a restaurant. However, Erik insists this spending spree wasn’t a celebration of freedom or newfound wealth. “The idea that I was having a good time is absurd,” he states in the documentary.

For Erik, the shopping was an attempt to “cover up this horrible pain of not wanting to be alive,” revealing the depths of his emotional struggle following the tragedy. Lyle also shares his emotional turmoil during this chaotic time. “I was not enjoying myself as a playboy,” he explains, countering the notion of carefree indulgence.

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Lyle describes nights filled with tears, poor sleep, and feelings of being lost. He confesses to being “very distraught at times and kind of adrift throughout all those months.” Rather than a sign of liberation, their extravagant purchases served as a distraction from the deep trauma they were experiencing. Both brothers reveal that their erratic behavior was a way to cope with their overwhelming grief and guilt.

5José Menendez Was Worse Than He Was Depicted In Monsters

Evidence Suggests That He Abused More People

Something that didn’t come across in Monsters is just how unpopular José Menendez was with almost everyone he met. This sentiment became apparent during the first trial, where Lyle stated, “People who have such small contact with my father were saying, ‘This is the most intimidating, worst human I have met in my whole life.’ So that is why there were zero character witnesses on my parents’ behalf. Why couldn’t you find that one person? Because they don’t exist.”

The lack of positive testimonials underscores the profound impact José had on those around him. Even state prosecutor Pamela Bozanich acknowledged, “I couldn’t find anyone to say anything nice about José Menendez except his secretary. The loss of José Menendez, in my mind, was an actual plus for mankind.”

Erik also recounted chilling instances of abuse, including a threatening encounter where his father held a knife to his neck, saying, “I should kill you, and next time I will.” Lyle’s reflections reveal unrealistic expectations he had of his parents, as he believed he could confront José without consequence, while evidence suggests that the abuse allegedly extended to others, including claims made by Roy Rosselló from the boy band Menudo.

4Erik And Lyle Menendez Await District Attorney’s Decision

He’s Currently Reviewing A New Evidence

Erik and Lyle Menendez were reunited at Donovan State Prison in 2018 after spending more than 20 years imprisoned separately. Despite this long-awaited reunion, Erik grapples with profound guilt for confiding in Lyle about their father’s alleged abuse and for ultimately confessing the murders to his therapist, Jerome Oziel. “I got him into every aspect of this tragedy,” Erik says, emphasizing his belief that “every aspect of this tragedy is my fault.”

This deep sense of responsibility weighs heavily on Erik as he reflects on the consequences of their actions. Lyle also struggles with his role in Erik’s fate, questioning whether he truly saved his brother or inadvertently led him to prison. “There comes a point where you just realize, ‘OK, it’s impossible … I couldn’t rescue all of us,'” Lyle admits.

Despite being sentenced to life without parole, the brothers filed a habeas corpus petition in May 2023 to vacate their convictions, citing new evidence. The district attorney, George Gascón, is currently reviewing this evidence, which includes a photocopied letter allegedly sent by one brother claiming he was a victim of molestation.

3The Menendez Brothers Remained Protective Of Their Parents

A Complex Mix Of Affection And Ambivalence

Despite the horrific circumstances surrounding their parents’ deaths, the Menendez brothers expressed a complex mix of affection and ambivalence toward them. Lyle revealed his reluctance to disclose his father’s alleged sexual abuse during the trial, stating, “I would much rather lose the murder trial than talk about our past, and what had happened.” This highlights the depth of their protective instincts, particularly regarding their mother, Kitty. Erik voiced similar sentiments, lamenting, “I miss my mother tremendously. I wish that I could go back and talk to her and give her a hug and tell her I love her.”

While Erik idolized his father as a “modern version of an ancient Greek god,” he acknowledged the complexities of their relationship, saying, “To me as a boy, he was more than just a man.” However, he also recognized that his father was rarely the nurturing figure he needed. The brothers’ memories are steeped in both awe and fear; although they recount the abuse and murders with a sense of horror, they refrain from outright condemnation.

2The ’90s Were An Awful Time For Boys And Men Claiming To Be Sexual Assault Victims

There Was A Widespread Hostility Towards Male Victims

The documentary starkly highlights the pervasive hostility toward male victims of sexual assault during the ’90s, particularly in the wake of the Menendez brothers’ allegations against their father. Archival footage reveals a shocking dismissal of their claims, with journalists, comedians, and TV presenters openly ridiculing the brothers for their wealth and privilege rather than taking their allegations seriously.

The brothers acknowledged the role of younger generations, particularly on platforms like TikTok, in reshaping the narrative around their case.

Notably, Kathy Griffin’s tone-deaf routine and a skit on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show exemplified the callousness of the media. However, the cultural landscape has shifted significantly since the ’90s. The brothers acknowledged the role of younger generations, particularly on platforms like TikTok, in reshaping the narrative around their case.

Lyle remarked, “Young people have taken the time to figure out what happened, and they understand it in ways that older people don’t.” He expressed renewed hope, noting, “I feel more hope when society seems to be understanding sex abuse even better.”

1Leslie Abramson Did Not Take Any Part in The Menendez Brothers

She Decided To Leave This Case In The Past

Leslie Abramson, the renowned defense attorney for Erik and Lyle Menendez, is strangely absent from The Menendez Brothers documentary. Although her significant role in the case is acknowledged throughout, viewers hear from her only via a written statement at the film’s conclusion. In this brief message, she reflects on the passage of time, stating, “30 years is a long time. I’d like to leave the past in the past.”

She emphasizes that “No amount of media, nor teenage petitions will alter the fate of these clients. Only the court can do that, and they have ruled.” While many praise her dedication and influence, including those who worked alongside her, prosecutor Pamela Bozanich openly criticizes Abramson duringThe Menendez Brothers, highlighting lingering tensions from their courtroom rivalry.

Director Ross Dinerstein commented on Abramson’s choice to avoid participating in the project, expressing hope for her reaction while respecting her decision to maintain distance from the case. He noted, “She has notoriously never spoken out since the case… I wish I could speak for her, but she’s a tough one.”