Convicted
Erik Menendez
Convicted 1st-degree murder of parents (1996); resentencing petition pending
2 cases·31 media appearances
Convicted 1st-degree murder of parents (1996); resentencing petition pending
Profile
Erik Galen Menendez was born on November 27, 1970, in Blackwood, New Jersey. He was the younger son of José and Mary Louise 'Kitty' Menendez. Erik's early years were marked by a life of privilege, as his father was a successful entertainment executive. The family moved to Beverly Hills, California, where Erik attended high school. He was known for his athletic prowess, particularly in tennis, and was described by peers as a quiet and reserved individual.
Growing up in the affluent neighborhood of Beverly Hills, Erik had access to numerous opportunities and resources. He attended the prestigious Beverly Hills High School, where he continued to excel in sports. Despite the outward appearance of a perfect family life, Erik and his brother Lyle reportedly faced immense pressure to succeed, which was a significant aspect of their upbringing.
Erik's life before the crime was largely centered around his education and sports. He was a promising tennis player, and his athletic skills were often highlighted by those who knew him. However, beneath the surface, there were tensions and issues within the family that were not publicly visible at the time.
The Menendez family was well-known in their community, and Erik's parents were prominent figures due to José's successful career. The family dynamics, however, were complex, and Erik and his brother Lyle later claimed that their home life was troubled.
In 1989, Erik and his brother Lyle were arrested and charged with the murder of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. The case garnered significant media attention due to the nature of the crime and the background of the family. In 1996, Erik Menendez was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Nov 2024
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge William Ryan granted a resentencing hearing under California's youthful offender provisions (AB 2942), which allow courts to reconsider life sentences for crimes committed before age 26. Erik was 18 at the time of the murders.
ABC NewsJul 1996
Judge Stanley Weisberg sentenced Erik Menendez to life without parole.
ABC NewsMar 1996
At retrial, both Erik and Lyle Menendez were convicted of two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances for the premeditated killing of both parents.
NewsweekJan 1994
The first trial, held before two juries (one for each brother), ended in a hung jury for Erik on January 13, 1994. A retrial was ordered.
Washington PostMar 1990
Erik Menendez surrendered to authorities in connection with the August 20, 1989 shotgun murders of his parents in their Beverly Hills home.
Washington PostMenendez Brothers
Convicted 1st-degree murder of parents (1996); resentencing petition pending
Lyle and Erik Menendez, then ages 21 and 18, shot and killed their parents Jose and Kitty Menendez in their Beverly Hills home on August 20, 1989. After two trials, they were convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy in 1996 and sentenced to life without parole. In May 2025, a judge resentenced them to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole.
Menendez Brothers Resentencing
Younger brother, convicted of first-degree murder
In 2024, renewed attention to the 1989 Menendez brothers case led to resentencing efforts after new evidence of sexual abuse by their father José emerged, including a letter and a corroborating witness.
The Menendez Brothers Part 3
Truer Crime · Oct 20, 2025 · 44m
The Menendez Brothers Were THIS Close to Freedom. Here’s Why They Lost It-WEEK IN REVIEW
The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice · Oct 19, 2025 · 15m
Juicy Crimes: The D4VID Case, The Butt Lady, and the Menéndez Brothers with Matt Murphy
Juicy Crimes with Heather McDonald · Oct 15, 2025 · 1h 12m
The Menendez Brothers Part 1
Truer Crime · Oct 6, 2025 · 41m
Brothers, Betrayal, and Beverly Hills: The Menendez Brothers Pt. II
I Wish You Were Here · Aug 12, 2025 · 42m
Brothers, Betrayal, and Beverly Hills: The Menendez Brothers Pt. I
I Wish You Were Here · Aug 2, 2025 · 52m
And, This is Ryan Murphy On The Menendez Brothers, The Kennedys, and Kim Kardashian
This is Gavin Newsom · Jul 21, 2025 · 36m
The Menendez brothers' chance at freedom. Questions for top investigator at Karen Read retrial. Plus, what's RICO?
Dateline NBC · May 15, 2025 · 28m
The New Evidence
The Menendez Brothers: Monsters or Misunderstood Podcast · Jan 7, 2025 · 33m
Greedy Rich Kids
The Menendez Brothers: Victims or Villains Podcast · Jan 7, 2025 · 35m
Opening Statements
Full Trial Audio: Menendez Brothers Murder Trial 1993 · Nov 3, 2024 · 2h 30m
A Police Interrogation in Delphi Murders. A Missing Texas Mom. And What's Next for the Menendez Brothers.
Dateline NBC · Oct 31, 2024 · 26m
The Menendez Brothers: The Official Companion Podcast | Part 1
You Can’t Make This Up · Oct 9, 2024 · 43m
The Menendez Brothers Pt. 2
Killer Stories with Harvey Guillén · Sep 30, 2024 · 42m
The Menendez Brothers Pt. 1
Killer Stories with Harvey Guillén · Sep 23, 2024 · 39m
Menendez Brothers Revisited: Guilty or Victims?
Menendez Brothers Revisited · Sep 19, 2024 · 39m
Murder & The Menendez Brothers: Episode 2 - The Tapes
Murder & The Menendez Brothers | Court TV Podcast · Sep 18, 2024 · 28m
Murder & The Menendez Brothers: Episode 1 - Concentric Circles
Murder & The Menendez Brothers | Court TV Podcast · Sep 18, 2024 · 31m
Murder & The Menendez Brothers: Episode 5 - The Confession
Murder & The Menendez Brothers | Court TV Podcast · Sep 18, 2024 · 30m
Murder & The Menendez Brothers: Episode 3 - The Trial
Murder & The Menendez Brothers | Court TV Podcast · Sep 18, 2024 · 34m
Murder & The Menendez Brothers: Episode 6 - The Black Box
Murder & The Menendez Brothers | Court TV Podcast · Sep 18, 2024 · 33m
Murder & The Menendez Brothers: Episode 4 - Rhyme or Reason
Murder & The Menendez Brothers | Court TV Podcast · Sep 18, 2024 · 32m
Episode 327 - The Menendez Brothers Part 1
Hollywood Crime Scene · Aug 23, 2024 · 1h 5m
48 Hours: Post Mortem | The Menendez Brothers’ Fight for Freedom
48 Hours · Mar 5, 2024 · 22h 17m
The Menendez Brothers: Killers or Victims?
True Crime with Kendall Rae · Jun 14, 2022 · 1h 1m
The Menendez Brothers
Killer Psyche · Aug 17, 2021 · 39m
Episode 238: The Menendez Brothers Part II - White Trash With Money
Last Podcast On The Left · Aug 31, 2016 · 1h 22m
Episode 237: The Menendez Brothers Part I - A Castro Or A Bega
Last Podcast On The Left · Aug 24, 2016 · 1h 2m
