On August 20, 1989, the sun sets over Beverly Hills, casting long shadows across one of its most opulent mansions. Inside, a scene of unimaginable horror unfolds. Entertainment executive José Menendez and his wife, Kitty, lie dead in their den, victims of a brutal shotgun attack. Their sons, Lyle and Erik, dial 911, their voices trembling as they report the grisly discovery. The initial investigation points to a mob hit, given José’s high-stakes career, but the truth is far more sinister.
In the months following the murders, the brothers’ extravagant spending spree raises eyebrows. They buy luxury cars, designer clothes, and even a restaurant, all while the investigation stalls. Suspicion mounts until Erik confesses to his psychologist, shattering the facade of innocence. The psychologist’s report to the police leads to the brothers’ arrest in March 1990, turning the case into a media frenzy.
As the nation tunes in to their televised trials, the Menendez brothers present a shocking defense, claiming years of parental abuse drove them to kill. The courtroom drama captivates America, forever etching the Menendez name into the annals of true crime history.
Story Source: Docuseries titled “Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed” (2023, directed by Esther Anderson and Fenton Bailey)
