By VK 
Erik & Lyle Menendez
When did it happen?
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On August 20, 1989, in Beverly Hills, California.
Who did they kill?
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Their own parents:
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José Menendez – a wealthy entertainment executive.
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Kitty Menendez – their mother.
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How did they do it?
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They used a 12-gauge shotgun.
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They shot their father while he was watching TV.
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Then they shot their mother multiple times until she died.
Why did they do it?
What the brothers claimed:
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They said their father abused them for years – physically, emotionally, and sexually.
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Their mother ignored the abuse and didn’t protect them.
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They said they were scared for their lives and acted out of fear
What did they tell the police?
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They called 911 and pretended to be shocked.
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Said an unknown person killed their parents.
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But later they spent a lot of money on:
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Luxury cars
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Clothes
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Trips
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Restaurants
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That made police suspicious.
How were they caught?
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Erik confessed to his therapist.
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The therapist’s girlfriend told the police.
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Police used a secret recording of Erik’s confession.
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Both were arrested in March 1990.
What happened in court?
First trial:
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Ended in a mistrial (jury couldn’t agree).
Second trial (1995–1996):
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Judge limited abuse evidence.
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Both were found guilty of first-degree murder.
What was the punishment?
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Life in prison without parole
(They can never be released, under normal law). -
They were in separate prisons at first.
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In 2018, they were allowed to live in the same prison:
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R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility, San Diego, California.
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Can they be released in the future?
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Right now: No – because they were sentenced to life without parole.
But things are changing:
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In 2023, a former singer said José Menendez abused him too as a child.
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This supports the brothers’ claims.
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Public support is growing on TikTok, YouTube, and social media.
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Many now believe they were victims too.
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Their lawyers are trying to reopen the case with new evidence.
In media and pop culture:
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Many documentaries and series have been made, including:
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Netflix and Peacock series
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“Law & Order: The Menendez Murders” (2017)
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Quick Summary Table:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Crime | Killed their parents with a shotgun |
| Date | August 20, 1989 |
| Arrested | March 1990 |
| Claimed Reason | Years of abuse by father |
| Prosecution’s View | Killed for money/inheritance |
| Trial Outcome | Guilty of first-degree murder (1996) |
| Sentence | Life in prison without parole |
| Current Prison | R.J. Donovan Facility, San Diego |
| Chance of Release? | No – unless new evidence leads to retrial |
| Public Support | Increasing with new claims & online petitions |