Netflix and social media have always had power when it comes to bringing people’s interest onto one specific topic. With the release of the series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” a large amount of attention has been brought to the case. Ryan Murphy, the director of this series, has faced overwhelming backlash from the media due to the inaccuracies that have been spotted when comparing the real life events to the events of the show. This attention, however, has provided positive support for the two brothers, as it reminded the nation of how unjust the original trial was due to its circumstances.
In 1996, Lyle and Erik Menendez were sentenced to life without parole, at the charge of first degree murder of their parents, José and Mary “Kitty” Menendez. According to The Guardian, the verdict was given during the second trial of their case, with the first trial ending in a hung jury even after months of deliberation by the jury. The reason this first trial resulted in such a way was the fact that most of their defense relied on the fact that the brothers were both sexually and mentally abused at the hands of their father. Their mother was aware of the abuse, yet chose to ignore the vile things her husband was doing to her sons. The evidence of sexual assault was the main factor that resulted in the jury not being able to agree fully during the first deliberation. Despite how important this evidence was, the judge did not allow it to be used as a defense during the second trial. In the 1990s, the views on sexual assault on men had not yet developed to the point they have now; there was not as much sympathy towards the brothers’ abuse, due to their gender. Therefore to the people of the jury, specifically the men, it was difficult for them to view this case objectively, and did not believe that young boys went through this.
However, the media is not the only party taking a second look at the Menendez case. As of early October, 2024, new evidence that could help towards their sentence has been discovered. The first large piece of evidence is the finding of a letter, written by E. Menendez, to his cousin detailing the abuse he was experiencing at home. Said letter would corroborate the claims that he made in court and provide some of the only solid evidence they have that abuse was occurring. The second piece of evidence that supports their claims is a former member of the 1980s boy band Menudo, who has released allegations against J. Menendez, who signed his band to RCA Records, for drugging and sexually assaulting him. The new evidence, combined with the brothers’ attorney arguing that they have been rehabilitated after 35 years in prison, has opened the window for a possible retrial. The case is currently under review of the LA District Attorney, George Gascón who has not reached an outcome yet. The Guardian has released a one of the only statements given by Gascón, saying that “It’s important to recognize that both men and women can be victims of sexual assault.”
If the retrial does get approved, it is very possible that they could be released with time served. Plus, with a fresher point of view being the one reviewing the Menendez brothers’ circumstances, their luck seems to be turning for the better. While the case still remains controversial to this day, it would be interesting for the new generation to have the same opportunity to see the Menendez brothers in court, but under a very different light than the original trial.
