This article discusses sexual abuse and assault.
Contains SPOILERS for The Menendez brothers documentary.
Netflix’s gripping true crime documentary, The Menendez brothers, sheds new light on one of the most infamous cases in American history: the 1989 murders of José and Kitty Menéndez at the hands of their sons, Lyle and Erik. Directed by Alejandro Hartmann, this documentary offers a rare look 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 opinions from family members, legal experts and those close to the case.
While much of the Menendez brothers’ story may be familiar, Hartmann’s documentary adds depth through never-before-heard perspectives. The film is based on the renewed interest sparked by Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menéndez by Ryan Murphy, but now, the brothers themselves take center stage. Featuring more than 20 hours of interviews, this documentary explores the abuse allegations, 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 more than 30 years later.
7 Erik Menéndez’s shock at the police’s lack of suspicion
Police did not view him or Lyle as suspects
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In The Menendez brothers In the documentary, Erik Menendez expresses his disbelief that the police did not immediately consider him and Lyle as suspects. “We had gunpowder residue on all our hands.” Erik explains, baffled that the officers didn’t perform a simple test that would have led to his immediate arrest. He also mentions that the shotgun shells were still in his car, making his connection to the crime even more evident.
This oversight raises questions about police investigation procedures, highlighting a critical flaw in the initial response to the case.
This oversight raises questions about police investigation procedures, highlighting a critical flaw in the initial response to the case. Erik reflects on his fragile mental state after the murders and states: “If they [police] “If they had pressed me, I wouldn’t have been able to withstand any questioning.” He describes himself as “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 traumatic events. Their comments underscore the brothers’ emotional turmoil, as Erik grapples with the consequences of their actions while raising questions about why they were not examined more closely by authorities.
6 The Menéndez brothers’ spending spree was not a celebration
His extravagant purchases served as a distraction from the trauma
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in both monsters and in real life, the Menendez brothers’ generous spending after their parents’ murder attracted a lot of attention. They bought Rolex watches, a Porsche Carrera and even left a deposit for a restaurant. However, Erik insists that this excessive spending was not a celebration of freedom or new wealth. “The idea that he was having a good time is absurd.“he states in the documentary.
For Erik, the purchases were an attempt to “cover this horrible pain of not wanting to be alive“, revealing the depth of his emotional struggle after the tragedy. Lyle also shares his emotional turmoil during this chaotic time. “I wasn’t having fun as a playboy,” he explains, contradicting the notion of carefree indulgence.
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Lyle describes nights filled with tears, lack of sleep, and feelings of loss. He confesses to be “Very distraught at times and a little adrift all those months.” More than a sign of release, their extravagant purchases served as a distraction from the deep trauma they were experiencing. Both brothers reveal that their erratic behavior was a way of coping with their overwhelming grief and guilt.
5 José Menéndez was worse than he was portrayed in Monsters
Evidence suggests he abused more people
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Something that didn’t appear in monsters That’s how unpopular José Menéndez was with almost everyone he knew. This sentiment was evident during the first trial, where Lyle stated: “People who have such little contact with my father said, ‘This is the most intimidating, worst human being I’ve ever met in my entire life.’ That’s why there were no character witnesses on my parents’ behalf. Why? You couldn’t find that person because they don’t exist?“
The lack of positive testimonies underscores the profound impact Joseph had on those around him. Even state prosecutor Pamela Bozanich acknowledged: “I didn’t find anyone who said anything good about José Menéndez except his secretary. The loss of José Menéndez, in my opinion, was a true advantage for humanity.“
Erik also recounted chilling instances of abuse, including a threatening encounter in which his father held a knife to his neck and said: “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 consequences, while evidence suggests that the abuse allegedly extended to others, including claims made by Roy Rosselló of the gang. Menudo guys.
4 Erik and Lyle Menéndez await the district attorney’s decision
He is currently reviewing new evidence
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Erik and Lyle Menendez were reunited at Donovan State Prison in 2018 after spending more than 20 years incarcerated separately. Despite this long-awaited reunion, Erik struggles with deep guilt for confiding in Lyle about his father’s alleged abuse and for ultimately confessing the murders to his therapist, Jerome Oziel. “I got him into every aspect of this tragedy,” says Erik, 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 his actions. Lyle also struggles with his role in Erik’s fate, wondering if he really saved his brother or if he inadvertently landed him in prison. “There comes a point where you realize, ‘Okay, it’s impossible… I couldn’t rescue all of us.'” Lyle admits.
Despite being sentenced to life in prison without parole, the brothers filed a habeas corpus petition in May 2023 to overturn their convictions, citing new evidence. District Attorney George Gascón is currently reviewing this evidence, which includes a photocopied letter allegedly sent by a brother claiming he was a victim of sexual abuse.
3 The Menéndez brothers continued to be protectors of their parents
A complex mix of affection and ambivalence
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Despite the terrible circumstances surrounding their parents’ deaths, the Menéndez brothers expressed a complex mix of affection and ambivalence toward them. Lyle revealed his reluctance to reveal his father’s alleged sexual abuse during the trial, stating: “I would rather lose the murder trial than talk about our past and what had happened.“This highlights the depth of his protective instincts, particularly regarding his mother, Kitty. Erik expressed similar sentiments, lamenting: “I miss my mother very much. I wish I could go back and talk to her, give her a hug and tell her I love her.“
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While Erik idolized his father as “Modern version of an ancient Greek god,“He acknowledged the complexities of their relationship and said: “To me, as a child, he was more than just a man.However, he also recognized that his father was rarely the caring figure he needed. The brothers’ memories are filled with wonder and fear; Although they report the abuses and murders with horror, they refrain from openly condemning them.
2 The ’90s were a terrible time for boys and men who claimed to be victims of sexual assault
There was widespread hostility towards the male victims
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The documentary clearly highlights the widespread hostility toward male victims of sexual assault during the 1990s, particularly in the wake of the Menendez brothers’ accusations against their father. Archive footage reveals a shocking rejection of their claims, with journalists, comedians and TV presenters openly ridiculing the brothers for their wealth and privilege rather than taking their accusations seriously.
The brothers acknowledged the role of younger generations, particularly on platforms like TikTok, in reshaping the narrative around their case.
Most notably, Kathy Griffin’s tone-deaf routine and a Jay Leno parody Tonight’s show exemplified the insensitivity of the media. However, the cultural landscape has changed 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 commented: “Young people have taken the time to figure out what happened and understand it in a way that older people don’t.“He expressed renewed hope and noted:”I feel more hopeful when society seems to understand sexual abuse even better.“
1 Leslie Abramson did not participate in The Menendez brothers
She decided to leave this case in the past
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Leslie Abramson, the renowned defense attorney for Erik and Lyle Menendez, is strangely absent from The Menendez brothers documentary. Although her important role in the case is acknowledged throughout, viewers only learn about her through a written statement at the end of the film. In this brief message he reflects on the passage of time stating: “30 years is a long time. I would like to leave the past in the past..”
She emphasizes that “No media or requests from teenagers will alter the fate of these clients. Only the court can do that and has ruled so.While many praise her dedication and influence, including those who worked alongside her, prosecutor Pamela Bozanich openly criticized Abramson duringThe Menendez brothershighlighting the lingering tensions of their courtroom rivalry.
Director Ross Dinerstein commented on Abramson’s decision to avoid participating in the project, expressing hope for his reaction and respecting his decision to keep his distance from the case. He noticed, “It’s notable that she has never spoken since the case… I wish I could speak for her, but she is a tough person.”
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The Menéndez Brothers (2024) RDocumentaryCrime
Director Alejandro Hartmann Release date October 7, 2024 Cast Lyle Menendez, Erik Menendez Duration 116 minutes