The saga of Erik and Lyle Menendez, a case that captivated and horrified a nation, has reached a new chapter. The brothers, convicted for the infamous 1989 shotgun slayings of their wealthy parents, José and Kitty Menendez, have been granted parole after more than three decades behind bars.
Their journey from privileged Beverly Hills youths to convicted murderers and now parolees is a complex web of abuse, greed, and media frenzy. Here is the definitive timeline of the Menendez case.
The Murders That Shocked America
On the evening of 20 August 1989, Erik and Lyle Menendez call 911, reporting they have discovered their parents shot dead in the family's luxurious Beverly Hills mansion. They claim to have been at the cinema at the time of the killings, returning home to the gruesome scene.
The initial investigation focuses on a potential mob connection, given José Menendez's high-powered role in the entertainment industry. However, the brothers' extravagant spending spree in the months following the murders—dropping millions on luxury cars, Rolex watches, and new businesses—soon raises red flags with investigators.
A Trial Televised and Divided
Arrested in March 1990, the brothers' first trial begins in 1993. The defence unveils a shocking strategy: the brothers claim they acted out of fear, driven by a lifetime of severe sexual and psychological abuse at the hands of their father.
The trial becomes a media circus, one of the first major court dramas of the cable news era. It ends in a dramatic deadlock in 1994, with juries unable to reach a unanimous verdict for either brother, resulting in a mistrial.
A second, consolidated trial is held in 1995. This time, the judge excludes most of the abuse testimony, ruling it irrelevant without evidence the killings were self-defence. In 1996, both Erik and Lyle Menendez are convicted on two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The Long Fight for Freedom
For years, their sentence seemed final. However, a 2018 California Supreme Court decision gave them a new glimmer of hope. The court ruled that juveniles sentenced to life without parole must be given a chance to argue for their release, a ruling that was later applied retroactively.
This paved the way for the Menendez brothers to have their sentences reduced and to finally become eligible for parole hearings. Their case was re-evaluated, considering their youth at the time of the crime and their conduct in prison.
Parole Granted: A New Beginning?
In a series of hearings, the California parole board found that both brothers, now in their 50s, no longer posed an unreasonable threat to society. They were deemed suitable for release, a decision that has proven polarising for the public and the victims' extended family.
Their release does not mean freedom is immediate. The process involves finding approved housing and meeting other conditions set by the parole board. Their every move will be monitored closely upon release, bringing a contentious end to one of America's most notorious criminal cases.
