The Menendez Brothers case is one of the most talked about true crime stories ever, and Netflix is giving viewers a whole new take on this chilling saga with its "The Menendez Brothers" documentary!
New Information From The Menendez Brothers
While you may have watched the Ryan Murphy series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, this documentary brings viewers something even more compelling! What's so special? It's an up close look at the actual Menendez brothers themselves and their story! What’s different about it? Well, the brothers, Erik and Lyle, gave 20 hours of interviews and give us never before seen insight into what happened!
Shocking Revelations
The Menendez brothers documentary reveals details never revealed before in earlier adaptations. And it makes the story so much more compelling. It really leaves viewers wondering what really happened!
Erik Menendez's Shock
One of the biggest revelations, is from Erik Menendez, who speaks directly about his reaction to what authorities didn't consider from the very start.
- He speaks openly about his disbelief that investigators did not even think that him and Lyle were potential suspects.
- This makes the situation seem impossible!
- There was a clear link. Gunpowder residue on both hands was the big clue.
- They did a super easy to find clue as well. There were shotgun shells that were found in their car!
- Erik Menendez explained that if the police put more pressure on him. Right after his parents died, he could have just crumbled and spoken right then and there.
The documentary even looks at what he thought back then and that the way he reacted could mean they didn't fully investigate what could have really been the reason they were killed!
The Menendez Brothers' Spending Spree
This was a time of turmoil for everyone but specifically for Erik and Lyle Menendez who made a lot of purchases.
Rolex watches, Porsche Carrera vehicles and they even wanted a restaurant! However, the reality was something entirely different than many thought.
Erik Menendez was in intense pain. What viewers can get is that these purchases helped them forget just how painful their loss truly was. Even Lyle stated that he was suffering. Nights were spent with sleepless nights and so much regret. It looked to be more of a moment that these brothers needed to forget.
José Menendez Was Even Worse
In earlier stories, José Menendez was seen in one specific way, but the latest Netflix project changes that up. It includes so much detail into his history. That gives everyone new things to ponder!
- The latest interviews reveal something truly surprising, José Menendez wasn't someone people wanted around. Almost every one of his interactions was terrible! It made sense then that when Lyle mentioned during the trial that nobody gave positive testimony about his dad it is likely there were just too many horrible encounters! This gives audiences new details to chew on.
- It appears that some serious crimes may have been a pattern of his abuse.
- The stories of Erik show just how horrific the whole event truly was as he talked about the time José Menendez held a knife to his throat! The emotional pain shows just how dark the life he had had been.
A Waiting Game For The Menendez Brothers
Erik and Lyle Menendez spent more than 20 years apart in prison. In 2018, they were reunited, though it was a complicated reunion! This gave viewers the incredible insight as to how these brothers continue to navigate these events, showing just how this weighs on them!
It shows the reality of intense guilt for Erik, who explains what it means to involve Lyle in this horrific crime. Erik expresses remorse. Lyle shows regret, as he contemplates how it would feel to think if Erik is even safe or Lyle's choice saved them both.
Erik and Lyle want more than a chance for prison reform! In May 2023, they started looking into a petition for a possible appeal of their conviction based upon new evidence. Even more, some elements have not ever come out into the media.
Protection For Their Parents
Even with this horrific situation. A strange point about this show came with how protective Erik and Lyle were towards their parents! The stories they shared show a strange attachment to them!
- Lyle didn't want to fully share all the details and kept things hidden from the court proceedings!
- It was important to avoid a loss! More important than even losing at trial!
- This came from an enormous amount of affection and guilt from Erik towards his mother! He stated that his mom was someone he deeply missed and loved!
A Difficult Time For Victims
It may seem impossible, and something very hard to comprehend. Back in the 1990s, there was a super difficult situation for victims of abuse! And this had a direct impact on how these events unfolded!
- Many TV shows and people laughed at Erik and Lyle Menendez's claims! What made it even worse is that Kathy Griffin was called out by the Menendez brothers for how callus her comments were. A special skit by Jay Leno on the Tonight Show also highlights how terrible things were back then!
- Lyle noted that a new generation, including younger fans on social media apps like TikTok has seen what truly transpired and show some major differences as younger generations are becoming more sympathetic towards those who's past might not reflect the person they truly are!
Leslie Abramson's Absence
What's interesting, is a unique decision! It appears that Leslie Abramson, the attorney who worked with Erik and Lyle is completely missing! Why? It may appear odd, however, it's important to remember that there is so much to take into account when working on true-crime documentaries. This is also seen through this interview where Abramson explained that she wanted no involvement! This highlights what the process really is. To look into these cases, you have to find the most incredible true stories that need a retelling.
It's really important that for those who really appreciate these true crime stories that Netflix's latest offering brings about many great conversations with "The Menendez Brothers.". The film has given people insights to consider and helped many of those left behind the true stories to get a greater audience for years to come! There's much more information and even deeper meaning than might be expected.
