Key Takeaways:
– Erik and Lyle Menendez executed their parents in their Beverly Hills home in 1989.
– The brothers lived high-end lifestyles after the murders, arousing suspicions.
– Both alleged sexual and emotional abuse as their defense during the trial.
– The Menendez brothers are currently serving life sentences without the possibility of parole.
– Scroll down to see photos of Erik and Lyle Menendez before and after the trial.
From Promising Future to Jail Cells:
In the late 80s, Lyle and Erik Menendez seemed to have everything: affluence, intelligence, and promising futures. Both were accepted into esteemed universities, with Erik going to UCLA while Lyle attended Princeton. Their life drastically took a dark turn on August 20, 1989, when they brutally murdered their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.
Erik and Lyle’s Spree and Arrest:
Following the murders, the brothers acted like grieving sons while extravagantly spending their inherited wealth. They blew through nearly a million dollars buying luxuries such as exotic cars, high-end jewelry, and even whole restaurants. Their loose behavior eventually drew attention. When Erik confessed to his psychologist, Dr. Jerome Oziel, the law enforcement finally got a lead, leading to their 1990 arrest.
Were the Brothers Abused?
During their separate trials, the brothers captivated the nation by alleging sexual and emotional abuse from their parents as their motive. While this tactic caused a deadlock in the first trial, it didn’t resurface in the second one due to the judge limiting such testimonies. They were found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, leading to their life sentences without parole.
Recent Photos and Trials Update:
While serving their sentences, the Menendez brothers have kept a relatively low profile. Check our gallery to see photos of Erik and Lyle before and after their conviction. In one, you will see a young Erik posing ahead of his high school prom, who later appears in exchanges with the jury during the trial. Lyle, once a polished, smartly-dressed Princeton student, is shown in court and in more recent photos.
Netflix Features the Brothers:
Netflix has since taken an interest in their life, even starting a crime series based on their shocking murder case. For anyone interested in deep diving into their story, the docuseries promises to be an intense watch. Expectedly, it will shed more light on this notorious crime and its subsequent effect on the justice system.
Monsters or Victims?
Even after three decades, the Menendez brothers’ case continues to incite discussions about abuse, privilege, and the justice system. By looking at photos of the brothers then and now, the impact of the case reverberates on their faces. However, the question remains: were they monsters, victims of abuse.