The Menendez brothers’ saga, which inspired a high-profile Netflix drama series, is set to add another chapter with the release of a new documentary on the streaming platform.
This time, the story will be told from the perspective of the siblings who were incarcerated over three decades ago.
Ryan Murphy’s nine-part limited series, Monsters: The Erik and Lyle Menendez Story, captivated viewers, but they are about to get an even closer look as those intimately involved share their accounts.
The documentary will feature original crime scene footage, trial excerpts, interviews with key figures, and phone calls with the brothers from Donovan Correctional Facility.
With the documentary set to release on October 7, several questions linger in the minds of viewers following the Monsters series.
Menendez brothers, Erik, left, and Lyle on the steps of their Beverly Hills home (Image: Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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Why did the Menendez brothers murder their parents?
This is the primary question many viewers have after watching the series.
The show explored various viewpoints from key figures surrounding the case without pinpointing one definitive motive. It presented the prosecution’s argument that the crimes were financially motivated against the defence’s claim that the boys were victims of abuse, reports .
The documentary’s trailer features one of the brothers acknowledging this question and promising an answer.
Why did they kill their mother?
Viewers are more curious specifically as to why the Menendez brothers also decided to murder their mother, Kitty Menendez.
It’s been suggested that she was complicit in the alleged abuse that Lyle and Erik endured from their father, with claims that she was aware of it but did nothing to prevent it.
Lyle and Erik Menendez in court (Image: PR HANDOUT)
Is there fresh evidence? What might it be?
Despite the murders occurring in 1989 and the sentencing in 1996, viewers are eager to understand the current legal situation. There’s a prevailing sentiment among many that the case is still unresolved.
Journalist Robert Rand participated in a separate documentary featuring singer Roy Rossello, who alleged abuse by Jose Menendez.
However, this documentary was only broadcast on the US Peacock streaming service, so UK viewers are hopeful that more details about this supposed evidence will be discussed in the documentary.
Could the brothers be released?
In 2023, an appeal for a new hearing was reportedly lodged, citing new evidence. Consequently, viewers are interested in the possibility of the Menendez brothers facing another trial or even being released from prison.
What’s going on in their personal lives?
Despite spending over thirty years in jail, the Menendez brothers’ marital status has recently made headlines. The series doesn’t provide any information about their current situation beyond their incarceration.
Erik’s wife Tammi has already voiced her objections to the show, but some viewers are keen to delve deeper into their relationship, which started while Erik was incarcerated. The same curiosity extends to Lyle, who has tied the knot twice during his imprisonment.
Audience members also have queries about Erik’s stepdaughter Talia, who has alleged that the brothers anticipate news of an appeal in the forthcoming two months.