Photo via LawyerMonthly
***
After more than thirty years of imprisonment, Erik and Lyle Menendez have recaptured the attention of America. With their new hit docu-series, Monsters, and their tell-all, The Menendez Brothers, the case has resurfaced in the minds of many, showcasing our ever-evolving cultural and legal landscapes.
Here’s a recap: On August 20, 1989, Jose and Kitty Menendez were found viciously murdered in their Beverly Hills mansion, victims of their own children. A deputy district attorney was quoted saying the crime—allegedly done out of hatred—was “one of the most…brutal” he had ever seen. After a tape recording was turned in of the sons confessing to the murders, the central question of the case became why—why did these wealthy kids decide to murder their parents?
The prosecution’s argument was clear: the brothers wanted access to their parents’ estate. But, according to Erik and Lyle, money wasn’t the issue at all. Rather, the motive was the fact that Jose Menendez, the brothers’ father, had been molesting them since the early age of eight. He continued to assault Erik up until a week before his death. According to Erik, “I was groomed to know that I could never get away.” His father would threaten to kill him to ensure Erik’s submission.
During the brothers’ court hearings, the defense raised broader questions about cycles of violence and societal blind spots regarding sexual abuse of male victims. The Menendez council argued these murders to be an imperfect self-defense case—a legal defense where the brothers, though fearing for their lives, still used an unreasonable amount of force on the parents. While convincing, the jury in the first trial could not reach a verdict. They were split perfectly in half, with the men raising their hands for first-degree murder, and the women disagreeing. During the second trial, evidence of sexual abuse claims was left out as a result of stigma against male victims. In 1996, the Menendez brothers were finally convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Today, as Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon is reopening the case due to new evidence, it has evolved into more than a legal dilemma—it is a reflection of shifting norms and the ongoing conversation about justice, trauma, and gender power dynamics. Further, new evidence in the brothers’ favor is coming to light: a former member of the boy band Menudo is now corroborating the sexual abuse allegations, claiming that Jose Menendez also raped him. With this new testimony, the 1990s era of male victimhood is being scrutinized under a more modern, inclusive lens.
Ex-prosecutor Pamela Bozanich believes the rise in attention from social media is one of the reasons that the case is being looked at again. She reminds those who are newly interested to be aware of the fact that the Menendez brothers are murderers and could be fabricating some details. Regardless, the case will be heard on November 29, 2024, and the outcome could mark a significant shift in how the justice system handles abuse and self-defense, specifically regarding male survivors. If the brothers are granted parole, it would mark a significant milestone in the evolution of our understanding of trauma and violence, and may also lead to the reopening of other similar cases. As our legal system continues to progress with the #MeToo movement and the 2019 Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act, our legal framework is being reshaped to accommodate the complexities of trauma. The U.S. will continue to watch this case unfold, and it will serve as a reminder that justice is not static. The Menendez brother hearing could be a pivotal moment in how we treat male survivors.
***
This article was edited by Anousheh Naqvi.
