On August 20, 1989, José and Mary “Kitty” Menendez were shot to death in their home, a posh Beverly Hills mansion. Their sons, Lyle and Erik Menendez were ultimately found guilty of their murders and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. While this is an iconic case that many know of, the media coverage at the time was extremely one sided. Were Lyle and Erik just spoiled brats who wanted Mommy and Daddy’s money ASAP, or were “the boys” victims too?
Some facts about the menendez murders
Born:
- Joseph Lyle Menendez – January 10th, 1968
- Erik Galen Menendez – November 27th, 1971
The Murders:
- Both Jose and Kitty Menendez were killed on August 20th, 1989. Jose was 44 years old, and Kitty was 47.
Arrests:
- Lyle was arrested on March 8th, 1990 at the age of 22.
- Erik was arrested on March 11th, 1990 at the age of 18.
Trials, Conviction, and Sentencing:
- December 8th, 1992 – Erik and Lyle were indicted by the Los Angeles County Grand Jury.
- July 20th, 1993 to January 28th, 1994 – The boys first trial took place.
- August 23rd, 1995 to March 20th, 1996 – The boys second trial took place.
- March 20th, 1996 – Erik and Lyle were convicted of first degree murder with special circumstances and conspiracy to commit murder.
- July 2nd, 1996 – Erik and Lyle were given two consecutive life sentences, without the possibility of parole.
Misc Facts and details from the case and trials
- 51 witnesses testified in 1st trial about the abuse that the brothers suffered at the hands of their father.
- NONE of those witnesses testified in the 2nd trial.
- There are lots of similarities between this case and the Gypsy Rose Blanchard case.
- During the first trial, Prosecutor Pam Bozanich actually said that men “lack the necessary equipment” to be raped.
- Bozanich would later counter expert witnesses about the abuse by saying “well did they have food? Did they have beds?” As if this is the only necessity that can be detrimental to a child’s development.
- She also said that because the parents bought the boys things that they could not be abused. This also happens in grooming situations and other sexual abuse situations.
- The brain is not fully formed until the age of 25. The prefrontal cortex is the last thing to develop. The prefrontal cortex contributes to a wide variety of executive functions, including: Focusing one’s attention, predicting the consequences of one’s actions, anticipating events in the environment, impulse control, and managing emotional reactions to only name a few.
- It is also shown that children who grow up in unstable homes have issues with prefrontal cortex function; specifically thinking through consequences and inhibiting impulses.
- Why do you think car rental companies don’t let you rent until 25? The risk of acting a fool and causing a wreck goes down significantly after age 25.
- A Prosecutor’s job is supposed to be to find the truth and fight for justice, but everyone said that the prosecution was facing a string of losses and needed a win. Similar to a basketball team that was trying to get into the playoffs.
- No plea deal was offered because of the politics surrounding the losses in the DA’s office. If they hadn’t needed this win they would have been offered a plea deal and would likely be out by now.
- Both Erik and Lyle have bettered themselves in prison. They each mentor others, even though they have no hope of leaving prison. It is easy to look at their actions over the past 2+ decades locked up and see that they would make productive members of society today.
- When sentenced, their ages should have been taken into account. Even if they were given 25 years with a chance of parole, it is very likely that they would both be out by now, as the are excellent candidates for parole.
