**Netflix’s *Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story* Sparks Renewed Fascination with the Notorious Case**
Netflix’s *Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story* explores the harrowing true crime tale of the Menendez brothers, who were found guilty of slaying their parents in 1989. This new series from regular collaborators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan revisits the narrative of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who cited years of mistreatment from their father, José Menendez, as the driving factor behind the violent acts.
The nine-part series, alongside a distinct documentary named *The Menendez Brothers* released on Oct. 7, has taken Netflix by storm. The documentary alone attracted 22.7 million views, making it Netflix’s most-viewed film globally, while Murphy’s dramatization reached over 52 million views within its first month, according to *The Wrap*.
The Menendez brothers’ trial, which unfolded between 1993 and 1996, may feel like a relic of the pre-internet age, yet these recent releases have rekindled public intrigue in the case. This resurgence of interest, combined with fresh evidence, has led the Los Angeles District Attorney to seek a reexamination of the brothers’ life sentences, potentially opening the door for parole.
If you’re interested in this infamous case, here’s a comprehensive overview of the Menendez brothers, the unfolding events, and their current status.
### Who Are the Menendez Brothers?
Lyle and Erik Menendez were born to José Menendez and Kitty Andersen, a seemingly conventional power couple who met during their college years. José’s career took the family from New York to New Jersey, ultimately settling in Calabasas, California, where he became the CEO of Live Entertainment. However, by 1988, the family moved to Beverly Hills after Lyle and Erik were involved in a local robbery spree, stealing approximately $100,000 in cash and jewelry.
During this time, the brothers alleged that they had suffered years of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their father, José, whom they described as a “relentless perfectionist.” They also stated that their mother was an alcoholic who enabled the abuse. According to their stories, the mistreatment started in their early childhood, with José focusing his attention on Erik after Lyle turned six. These claims were later corroborated by their cousin, Diane Vander Molen, who testified that Lyle had confided in her about the abuse when he was merely eight years old.
Murphy’s dramatization emphasizes this aspect of the Menendez family narrative, vividly portraying the brothers’ alleged trauma. However, the series has received criticism from family members, who labeled the adaptation as a “grotesque shock drama.” Erik Menendez responded to the series through his wife, Tammi, on X (formerly Twitter).
This isn’t the first occasion Murphy’s *Monster* anthology has encountered criticism. His previous work, *The Jeffrey Dahmer Story*, also sparked backlash from the families of Dahmer’s victims.
### The Menendez Brothers’ Murder and Trial
On Aug. 18, 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez acquired two shotguns. Two days later, on Aug. 20, they confronted their parents, José and Kitty, while they were watching television. The brothers contended that a heated dispute escalated into a violent confrontation, during which they shot and killed their parents. They later asserted that they acted in self-defense, worried that their father intended to kill them that night.
The brothers stated that the trigger for the murders happened weeks earlier when Erik disclosed to Lyle the years of abuse he had suffered. This revelation led to several confrontations within the family, with José allegedly threatening to kill them if they ever spoke out. This fear became a cornerstone of their defense, portraying the murders as a desperate act resulting from years of trauma and intimidation.
After the murders, Lyle and Erik awaited the police, assuming a neighbor would have dialed 911 due to the gunfire. When no one showed up, they disposed of their clothes and the shotguns before attending a festival to solidify their alibi. Lyle later made the 911 call himself, tearfully implying that their parents’ deaths could be connected to the Mafia. However, the police neglected to conduct standard procedures like testing the brothers for gunshot residue, allowing them to temporarily evade suspicion.
In the months following the murders, as police explored leads regarding a supposed mob connection, Lyle and Erik Menendez began lavishly spending their multimillion-dollar inheritance. They purchased luxury apartments, Rolex watches, designer clothing, and sports cars. Their extravagant lifestyle even thrust them into the limelight, as they were seen courtside at a New York Knicks game, inadvertently appearing on a Mark Jackson trading card.
However, after expending up to $1 million in the months following the