The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, have captured the attention of many audiences since they were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989.
While you may have heard of these brothers, one key detail from the new show called "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" was that Ryan Murphy's story missed a key piece of their history!
Reuniting After A Separation:
Fans who watched "Monsters" might be wondering! They have a bond, but how could it work! They've been in separate prisons for decades, ever since the court had given them their sentence for life without the possibility of parole!
After 1996, Lyle and Erik were forced apart after nearly two decades together! They faced this punishment for committing murder!
This wasn't their first brush with authorities, though!
- They first went into custody in 1990, and in that period, they were still able to visit!
- However, their lives changed. This change really gave them the true reality of their punishment. They were never going to be able to really come back from that crime and its devastating effects.
The Separation
The story starts at the Folsom State Prison and Mule Creek State!
While this was where they served time, there were more challenging parts for those who had an incredible bond. The brothers were no longer allowed to visit with each other in person but kept in touch through correspondence as they even played "Chess" by sending letters, which took on an incredibly special bond to these men! There's more about what really made this moment special in the show, as well as an update. But the biggest takeaway for fans is, for nearly 22 years, these brothers were apart! It wasn't just prison but there were rules to enforce. It's pretty clear! It wasn't their intention but a major form of punishment!
The Reunion That Changed Everything
As a viewer, this part is a big deal! Fans got to see it as it really took shape and made a new twist in 2018.
- Lyle's classification changed.
- The prison felt that it was safe enough to reunite them.
- In 2018, it looks like everything shifted, and both "Lyle and "Erik" are still serving time, at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, in San Diego! That’s a major turn! Now fans have access to some other information about how their lives changed and why this might have really happened to them.
Now that they are reunited, you can see how much this impacted these brothers.
- The show gives some key details from their history and highlights the remarkable emotional moments these brothers share after 22 years.
"Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" gave viewers the possibility of what their new normal would look like. It wasn't just about getting to see each other! They're now allowed to visit! For those who wanted to see how things were unfolding. These brothers were moved from this separate, lonely world. And for anyone that is familiar with their story, this series truly brings to life this powerful moment as well.
But, now that this was made clear, we know more than just these events, though! This might help explain what viewers might not know or may be struggling to come to terms with. It was all a part of a bigger problem and now the brothers may not be forced to endure it all.
Separation: The Details
What was super interesting is how this change actually happened and what went into making it! There was a need to change "Lyle", so the authorities felt it was a change for the best as they were given more privileges.
It wasn't a simple transition. They've also found a new path to keep in touch with those on the outside of this tough experience and be able to live a normal existence while still in prison.
That comes with things such as emails, and phone calls! It's just not one-on-one contact, but something for family members to lean on.
What is a great new benefit? These brothers have something unique. "Lyle" and "Erik" are both known as Group A inmates. They have the possibility to use something incredible for those inside prison. Since 2023, these inmates, as long as they don't have any behavioral issues are able to get a tablet! They have limited access to the internet, but it is a powerful tool for those who want to read and enjoy some of the world's news.
It's hard to know how to wrap this all up. It certainly gives viewers a new insight. It has given audiences the full spectrum of events and gives us all a more full understanding as to what happens behind the scenes of the most sensational crimes in our world! For the sake of this incredible series, you will be able to dive in! If you are fascinated by true crime and have been eager to find some insight as to just what unfolded around this particular story. "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" has given you all kinds of answers. It seems that we have just scratched the surface of this "Monsters" story that takes viewers down a rabbit hole of emotions. The real life elements add such a complex twist. It's what makes the world of "true crime, so entertaining!
