Innocent Or Incarcerated: The Menendez Brothers

Recently, controversy surrounding the resentencing and possible release of Lyle and Erik Menendez, brothers found guilty of murdering their parents, has risen due to the violence within their crimes committed over thirty years ago. Amidst this controversy, multiple depictions of their crime have been released; however, some alleged to be more true than others. Similarly, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard, convicted of second degree murder of her mother, DeeDee, was released on parole; so, should the Menendez brothers, too, be released? 

On August 20, 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez murdered their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez. Not until seven months later, March of 1990, was Lyle Menendez arrested under the suspicion of his involvement with his parents’ murder. Then, a few days later, his brother, Erik, turned himself into the police; the brothers then admitted to shooting their parents sixteen times. 

In 1993, three years after their initial arrest, the Menendez brothers’ first trial began. Represented by Leslie Abramson and Jill Lansing, their defense argued that the brothers killed their parents out of self defense, because they feared their parents plotted to kill them. This defense was met with a strong argument from the prosecutor, Pamela Bozanich, who stated Lyle and Erik killed their parents for the inheritance of 14 million dollars. Because of the plausible arguments of both the defense and the prosecution, the jury deadlocked, meaning they could not find the brothers guilty or not guilty of first-degree murder. This deadlock initiated a retrial that took place three years later, in 1996. 

In their second, 1996 trial, the brothers remained defended by Abramson and Lansing, but the prosecution changed to David Conn, who focused on the brutality and premeditation of the murder. This time, the defense brought further light to the brothers' motive- the sexual abuse they experienced, which was inflicted by their father. This new, devastating history described the magnitude of fear and anger felt by Lyle and Erik, driving them to kill their parents. However, due to the stigma around sexual abuse, especially when experienced by men, their father’s distinguished reputation as a successful businessman, and a strong prosecution, both Lyle and Erik were found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, without the possibility of parole. As if their life had not already changed for the worst, the brothers were also sent to serve their sentences in separate prisons; a great horror for brothers who experienced great triumphs and traumas, together. 

For the first 22 years of imprisonment, the brothers were separated by more than 500 miles, and communicated through letters, even playing chess through mail, but they were still deeply distraught; Erik even went on a hunger strike in an attempt to reunite the desperate souls. Then, seemingly a miracle for the brothers, they were transferred to the same prison, Richard J. Donovan. Since their conviction, Lyle and Erik have made numerous advances toward freedom. First, they sought a Habeas Corpus petition based on evidence not admitted in their second trial, where they were found guilty. Both brothers presented a statement from a potential third victim of their father, and Erik submitted a letter written to his cousin that immensely implied both the sexual abuse endured by their father, and the emotional abuse and neglect imposed by their mother; both pieces of evidence could support the brothers’ defense, especially since a new awareness about sexual abuse has risen in modern society. Additionally, and most relevant to recent headlines, the brothers sought resentencing, bringing light to the extremity of their sentences. The most successful Los Angeles District Attorney, George Gascón, states his office is reviewing new evidence and also advocates for a resentencing. Yielding even more support, relatives of the Menendez family advocate for the brothers’ release and express their concerns over the prejudice of the original jury, who might not have been accepting of the idea of sexual abuse victims. 

During their 34 years served, Lyle and Erik have experienced an enhanced life full of healing. Both brothers have married, Lyle more than once, and state that their marriages have been successful paths of positivity for them. They have also started support groups for prisoners who, like them, experienced and survived sexual abuse, a great step for sexual abuse awareness, especially amongst prisoners. Individually, Lyle was elected to represent his fellow inmates, and according to ABC News, enriches himself with calculus and statistics. Also, Erik has been stated to aid inmates on hospice, and has also taken up painting as a hobby. 

With their next hearing set to take place on December 11th, do you think Erik and Lyle Menendez have served a justified amount of time for their parents’ murder? Do you think they deserve to stay in prison?

Source

• ABC News: What’s Next for the Menendez Brothers

• Los Angeles Daily News: A Timeline of the 35 Year History

• LA Times: David Conn, 56; prosecutor who won convictions in menendez case

• People: where are the Menendez brothers now?