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Menendez Brothers
The Menendez Brothers: A True Crime Tragedy
The Murders
On August 20, 1989, brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez shot and killed their parents, José and Kitty, in their Beverly Hills mansion. The murders shocked the nation and became a media sensation.
The brothers claimed they killed their parents in self-defense, alleging that José had physically and emotionally abused them for years. However, prosecutors argued that the brothers had planned the murders to inherit their parents' wealth.
The Trial
The trial of the Menendez brothers was one of the most publicized in American history. It lasted for nearly two years and featured a cast of high-profile lawyers and witnesses.
The jury convicted Lyle and Erik of first-degree murder. They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The Aftermath
The Menendez brothers' case has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and television shows. It remains one of the most infamous crimes in American history.
The case has also raised questions about the reliability of child abuse allegations and the role of mental illness in violent crime.
Additional Information
* The Menendez Murders: A Look at the Case 20 Years Later * Where Are the Menendez Brothers Now? * The Menendez Murders Are Still the Stuff of Nightmares