The premiere of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has reignited public interest in the notorious Menendez case. In 1989, brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of murdering their parents in Beverly Hills. After more than 30 years, many are curious about the current status of the Menendez Brothers’ incarceration and if there are prospects for their release from prison.
Here are the latest updates on the Menendez Brothers case and where it currently stands.
Current Status of the Menendez Brothers
As of now, Lyle and Erik Menendez remain incarcerated at the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California.
According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Menendez Brothers are serving life sentences for the 1989 murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, who were found dead in their Beverly Hills home. Initial investigations led police to explore other suspects, but the brothers soon drew attention after spending their inherited wealth extravagantly.
The case gained traction when Erik Menendez’s psychologist’s mistress revealed that he had confessed the murders during therapy sessions. Both brothers were arrested in March 1990, leading to a highly publicized trial where allegations of abuse at the hands of their father were brought to light. The defense argued that the murders were acts of self-defense.
Possibility of Release for the Menendez Brothers
Currently, Lyle and Erik Menendez are not eligible for parole. However, recent evidence may work in their favor.
Defense attorney Cliff Gardner is building a case that frames the brothers as victims of prior abuse, which he argues justifies their actions. A significant piece of evidence includes a letter from Erik Menendez to his cousin Andy Cano, dated December 1988, where he expressed fear of his father. In the letter, he wrote, “I’ve been trying to avoid dad. It’s still happening, Andy, but it’s worse for me now. … Every night I stay up thinking he might come in. … I’m afraid. … He’s crazy. He’s warned me a hundred times about telling anyone, especially Lyle.” Additionally, Cano testified during the trial that Erik had confided in him about inappropriate behavior from their father.
New allegations have emerged, with musician Roy Rosselló claiming in April 2023 that José Menendez had sexually assaulted him. In response to these developments, Gardner filed a habeas petition in May 2023, seeking to overturn the brothers’ convictions. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is currently investigating these claims.
