Over the past few months, the resurgence of interest in the Menendez brothers’ case has skyrocketed, rapidly gaining public attention as the date for their first court hearing in 25 years approaches. Well-known producer Ryan Murphy, released his new Netflix series entitled “Monsters,” throwing brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez into the spotlight once again and reopening public discourse over their case. However, it is not the public’s place to decide the punishment these two boys deserve. While people may think they know the facts of the case from the documentary and articles, the legal aspect of their case must be left up to an impartial jury to decide.
In 1989, the two brothers were convicted of killing their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion. The brothers’ defense for the brutal murders was their father’s ongoing physical, sexual and mental abuse from the ripe age of six up until they were adults and their mother’s negligent behavior. However, the prosecution asserted that the brothers committed this murder to get a hold of their money and receive their inheritance. After a publicly televised trial, the brothers were sentenced to life in prison in 1996 without any chance of parole.
Their case has always been in the public eye, but the recent release of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” has reignited interest in their case as it explores the lives of the Menendez brothers from when they were young, up until the murder and the trials. As the show combines various perspectives and theories on the case, not necessarily taking one side, it has raised various controversies and criticism from the public. Many people who disagree with the show’s take have been motivated to propose theories and statements based on facts they are not fully knowledgeable on. Many are naively referring to themselves as “self-appointed lawyers”, as they fight for the brothers’ justice. Once again, a true crime case comes back to light and society instantly thinks that they are experts on the limited information that they gained from the internet.
A majority of people, specifically younger audiences who actively use social media, are taking the brothers’ side and demanding that the case be reopened. Kim Kardashian is contributing to the cause by visiting the brothers in prison and arguing in an NBC News editorial, later published on Instagram, that “it’s time for the Menendez brothers to be freed.” The public’s demand for action, despite their lack of crucial knowledge of the realities and details of the case, has encouraged lawyers and previous witnesses in the case, including family members of the brothers, to step up and demand the release of Lyle and Erik. The family members have also had to work hard to attempt to combat false rumors that are circulating, a burden that they should not have to face.
While public interest and commentary continue to circulate, society must dial it down and stop overshadowing experts who are fully educated on the factual evidence and case specifics. When the court hearing occurs in late November, public opinion will no longer matter; it will be only the jury that decides the fate of Erik and Lyle Menendez.
