Victims or Monsters?: The Chilling Tale of Lyle and Erik Menendez

Convicted in 1996 for the double murder of their parents, brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez claimed their crimes were the result of years of abuse. Now, their case may get a second look

Depiction of Lyle and Erik Menendez

Background

Lyle and Erik Menendez, sons of José and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menendez, grew up in California in the 1970s. The brothers lived a life of luxury, residing with their parents in a Beverly Hills mansion. Their father, a hard-working immigrant from Cuba, had found great success in his work as a film executive in Hollywood.