Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, delves into the infamous case of the Menéndez brothers, exploring their crimes, trials, and the people affected by their actions.
As the second instalment in Murphy’s Monster anthology series—following Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story—the show has reignited public interest in Lyle and Erik Menéndez and the key figures involved in their case.
The series stars Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Lyle Menéndez and Cooper Koch as Erik Menéndez, alongside Javier Bardem as their father, José Menéndez, and Chloë Sevigny as their mother, Kitty Menéndez. The cast also features Ari Graynor as defence attorney Leslie Abramson and Nathan Lane as journalist Dominick Dunne.
While the Netflix drama unfolds over nine episodes, the real-life story of the Menéndez brothers is still ongoing. With a renewed focus on their case, let’s take a look at where they—and others portrayed in the series—are now.
What Did the Menéndez Brothers Do?
On August 20, 1989, Lyle and Erik Menéndez shot and killed their parents, José and Kitty Menéndez, in the family’s Beverly Hills mansion. According to The Wrap, the brothers reloaded their shotguns 14 times while their parents watched The Spy Who Loved Me.
Initially, Lyle and Erik called 911, claiming they had found their parents murdered. However, by March 1990, both were arrested and charged with the killings.
Are the Menéndez Brothers Still in Prison?
Yes. Lyle and Erik Menéndez have been incarcerated since their 1990 arrests.
Are They in the Same Prison?
Currently, both brothers are housed at California’s Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility near San Diego. However, for 22 years, they were kept apart in separate prisons. In 2018, they were reunited and reportedly “burst into tears” upon seeing each other, according to ABC News.
New Evidence & Legal Developments
In 2024, former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced his office was reviewing new evidence that suggested the Menéndez brothers had been molested. This could have led to a resentencing, as their second trial in 1995 did not fully consider claims of sexual abuse.
However, Gascón was defeated in the 2024 L.A. District Attorney election by Nathan Hochman, who has opposed granting the Menéndez brothers a new trial.
What Did DA Nathan Hochman Say?
On February 21, 2025, Hochman held a press conference stating he did not find the new evidence credible, particularly a letter allegedly confirming Erik had been molested by his father. Hochman formally requested the court deny the Menéndez brothers’ petition for a new trial.
Delayed Hearings & Other Obstacles
The Menéndez brothers’ new hearing was initially scheduled for November 29, 2024, but was delayed multiple times:
- December 11, 2024 – Postponed due to Hochman’s election.
- January 30, 2025 – Canceled due to Los Angeles fires.
- March 20, 2025 – The next scheduled hearing.
Where Are Other Key Figures Now?
Leslie Abramson (Defense Attorney)
Leslie Abramson, now 81, was a high-profile defence attorney known for her fierce advocacy for the Menéndez brothers. She retired in 2023 and has since stayed out of the public eye.
Dominick Dunne (Journalist & Crime Commentator)
Dominick Dunne, who closely followed the Menéndez case, passed away in 2009 at age 83. A notable journalist and film producer, he was known for his work with Vanity Fair and documentaries on high-profile trials.
Judge Stanley Weisberg (Presided Over Both Trials)
Weisberg, who ruled controversially on the Menéndez trials and the Rodney King case, retired in 2008. He has since avoided media attention.
Menéndez Brothers: Age & Background
- Lyle Menéndez (Born January 10, 1968) – 57 years old
- Erik Menéndez (Born November 27, 1970) – 54 years old
The brothers have spent over three decades in prison following their life sentences without parole in 1996.
