WATCH Gavel-to-Gavel #TrialsOnDemand CA v. MENENDEZ (1993) HERE: www.courttv.com/trials/ca-v-menendez-1993/? 00:00:00 Detective Leslie H Zoeller, lead investigator 00:15:56 Defendant Erik Menendez, direct examination 00:24:37 What cause Erik Menendez & Lyle to kill their parents? 01:12:33 Erik Menendez describes argument with his father about abuse 02:03:26 Erik Menendez testifies to night he shot his parents
omg and who wants to be taken advantage of by their parents? let along the father. these people were rich ! they could go find girls anywhere .. when it started sex shouldn’t come across kids minds anyways … and NOBODY about to lie about such embarrassing things like that . not infront of the oes🙂↕️ free them boys!
It’s because technically, the court believed you couldn’t use any bias language and because there wasn’t prove that it happened. So they had to remain as “fair” as possible because saying they were raped might sway the jury to their point of view, which would’ve caused objections. I personally don’t agree with that rule and think they were 100% telling the truth, but it’s just the way it was back then 🤷🏼♀️.
@@v1xlilqis that something that's been said or just something that you're creating in your mind? I'm asking because I've never heard this said before and I'm wondering if you're just creating this narrative. I know Eric himself always called it sex so I just assumed it was easier to refer to it by the name that he called it. Yes, we all know that it's rape, but he always referred to it as different types of sex
@@v1xlilqI mean if this is true then they could have at least called it rape in the opening or closing arguments, just like Casey Anthony's lawyer said that her father put his thing in her mouth everyday as a child. Meanwhile, he didn't even touch on the subject during the trial because he knew that would open the door to Pandora's box. But he definitely used it in his statements to sway the jury and he was allowed without any evidence or testimony!
No wonder victims don’t want to speak up. Imagine being questioned by such callous people, being forced to state very explicit details out loud and still have the possibility that people won’t believe you. This is so heartbreaking.
Imagine if they had reported the alleged abuse. The parents would be on trial where they could face questioning and have a chance to tell their side. The brothers would be free right now.
“A boy who had sex with his father” is such an insult to him and the situation. “A boy who was being r*ped by his father” is what she should be saying 🤬
@@2IGHT2EER ok but she can still say that a dad who had sex with his son instead of the opposite way around it’s just common sense (no hate you can also say that cause it’s also common sense!!)
When the judge yelled at him to speak up I literally gasped . The way Erik looks up at him is heartbreaking. Erik is up there talking about his trauma and the worst parts of his life and he can’t even have the decency to speak to erik in a normal way. Everyone failed these boys ..family , friends , and the justice system. I hope that they can both be free someday soon. They have served more than enough time. 🙁
The difference between Lyles body language and Eriks body language is so crazy. You can tell how shy and damaged Erik is at the hands of his parents and you can tell that in Lyles testony he tries to put up a strong front but whenever he is asked about his bad memories he looked like a scared little kid. These men need to be freed!!!!!!
@michellemcmanus2729 of course they gonna pretend to be calm and relaxed, do u know what is Professional hitman Body lenguage? Exact like this, they are professionals pretending it, they wanted to get released through it /// As far as i know there is no way to demostrate there is sexual abuse to them while child, But even if it can be demostrate they murdered their parents, thats not something to feel empathetic, they are not the first or the last kids that get sexual abuse but almost none of them decide to murder their parents, the easiest choice was escape and from them to another country and forget them forever but no, they MURDERED them and on top of that they almost murder their psychiatrist.
@@Jessicatavaresds lets not compare remember lyle had to be the first at everything for his father thats why his hair fall out as 14 and his mother hate him and abused him. both went through alots
To know that your not wanted by your mother and then your not considered anything by your father and then treating him the way he was treated all his life, they should not have gone to jail for this long. He is a survivor
It’s still sad watching this, I remember I was 29 when this happened and first I thought “Greedy People “Both of them “ Until I watched the trial on TV ! It’s sad young man like him can’t make this stuff up! It’s happening Every Day! They should both be let out of jail..Enough is Enough! Alcoholic Mother and a PEDO for a Father! SAD 😢
When they asked him if he considered running when he heard Lyle got arrested, and he said no because he wanted to be with his brother. Just knowing that they didn’t see each other for 22 YEARS after that really crushes my soul 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
@@tluvsbeauty1 yes, I agree. There is an emotion that I too felt when deep diving into this case that I haven't felt before in my life. The Menendez Brothers Case has an effect on people that is indescribable. This case is truly special. I have never sobbed the way I sobbed while watching the court trials. My whole life has become so centered around Erik and Lyle's stories that it is hard to believe that a couple weeks ago I didn't even know who they were. It is easy for us to just toss this case in the trash when we are done with it though. when we have already watched all the documentaries, court tapes, and read all the books. When their story becomes too much, we can just stop thinking about it. The whole vibe this case brings along, with the Milli Vanili songs, and crime scene photos, is just a little trend or, "vibe." But I think we sometimes forget that this case isn't made up, its not like the show Stranger Things where at the end of the day everyone can just forget about it and its all just a thing of the summer of 2023 when stranger things 4 came out. No, the Menendez brothers are sitting in prison as you read this. Their case is not just a trend or vibe, it is their life. When they think of their childhood, that is what they think of. They are living in what most people brush off as a trend. So by reading this message, I hope you realize the deeper meaning of this case, and don't stop saying their names. Don't forget about the brothers, as while their trauma takes place in the past, their story will forever linger in the present, and in our hearts.
The fact that he took nearly a minute to answer the" why " question is so heartbreaking. Interestingly ,both the brothers have the same body language , calmness , composure ,pain ...is unbelievable.
During the 90's, it was difficult for people to understand that boys can experience abuse as well. The outcome of the case would've turned out very different if it happened during this decade.
These guys are still alive and they're still young. I'm not from the U.S. but I really wish these brothers would be set free. I hope people will raise their voices for these guys to be free soon.
The 90's wasn't 5 centuries ago and even then, everyone knew that a father that rapes his children regardless of their gender, is a monster. Thing is, their father was an extremely powerful and well-connected man, plus most people didn't believe them; and STILL don't. You should read certain comments made by vile people today...these 2 boys, now men, will be punished until they die in prison. The System their father was a part of, will make sure they do. It's heart-breaking.
Agree! That is why this case should be reconsidered and send them free. They should have a break to go on with their lives. The abuse they have suffered is unbearable.
It still is to this day they don't take men\boys being abused seriously at all . If these were two sisters they would be out of no jail or had no time at all its bs. Should be taken seriously for both men and women it's gross. A lot of women lie about being abused tho also . Men in my book would never lie about this type of abuse EVER!!
This is ABSOLUTELY not acting!!! He is even having breathing trouble... I am so sick by the system. From what I see, they killed their parents out of fear and self defense because they thought the parents could kill or harm them further!
Yeah, Ryan Murphy didn’t do the story justice, at all. He took far too much “poetic license”. It’s pitiful. Most of the actors were wonderful, but the story was horribly twisted.
How rude they televised victims of abuse, making them recall sexual details of their abuse. This is just disgusting how the legal system abused these boys all over again.
Are you applying 2024 media ways to 1990 as if the WeToo movement existed 30 years ago? Nobody had a time machine back then. You cannot rewrite HISTORY! It is what it is. It is not "rude". It is obnoxious, over-reported on, etc but certainly current with the time period which was way before cell phones and certainly before social media. 0.12% of the population in 1990 had cell phones. And you know if people did not have cell phones they certainly did not have social media back then because social media did not exist back then. Social media is how people like you learn from others to be "awake".
Whats disgusting that their rotting father would have gotten less prison sentence if he was caught. They have to be in prison for life for trying to escape from a horrifying predicament. The legal system and their parents failed them. I hope they will be freed and able to live in peace.
you said it, that is the problem, the justice system gives too much power to people who effeectively kidnap others to abuse them, and too little to those trying to escape that
And the fact that their cousins said that revealed it to them two different cousins one of the boys asked if it was normal when he was only ten (forget which brother) and the other an totally different cousin. An older female cousin said she had one of them beg her when he was 8 to let him sleep with her in the spare room and told her their dad was doing this and then their stupid mother came in and demanded that he not sleep in the spare room with his cousin and go back to his own room.
On real term I doubt ut because of the gender of the brothers, and what they did to get out of it. All together people say you should murder in self defence but in this case it was needed as it was the only way to get out of it. I mean a rich American family, connections and a strict father there is no way out but nobody would take that as an answer. The justice system back then was fucked and it still is
It’s interesting that in that case where the dad killed the guy that raped his son he only got community service but these guys that were raped for YEARS by their own FATHER are considered sociopaths for killing their abusers. Make it make sense.
Why don't you admit that it is invented?I read the comments and am surprised. You people so easily believed that there was sexual abuse!? These are just young rich guys who just lost their temper. You know they robbed the house and it was after that that dad said he would see their legacy. That's why the boys were afraid of losing money. Watch the movie "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story". HE DID NOT TELL THE DOCTOR ABOUT SEXUAL VIOLENCE.. Did you not think that it is difficult for him to speak because he himself is shocked by what he invents?
The questions weren’t at all meaningless. This line of questioning was to convey the extent of the abuse and push the narrative that it was self defense. It also was to urge the jury to be more empathetic to him. I agree though; recalling the worst moments of your life on television only to be sentenced so harshly in the end has to be terrible.
he seems to be physically struggling to get the words out when he first talks about the molestation. It absolutely broke my heart and i had to pause for several minutes and cry. I can’t imagine what he and Lyle went through in that household. May god bless Lyle and Erik.
It made me so uncomfortable. I was crying istg. Imagine having to tell basically the world something that you weren't even comfortable enough to tell ur closest friend. Its so heartbreaking
Okay u kill your parents and give the reason of being abused. Where they clearly spent money like hell clearly indicating that they had their eyes on their parents estate Great!
@@shrikantmahajan831 There was heavy bias against the brothers at the time because homophobia was rampant in the 80s and 90s (hasn’t changed much but is better now in comparison). the defence produced 51 witnesses that corroborated the brothers’ abuse claims. So idk why on earth you would come in here with that ignorant comment. Watch the testimonies that go on for hours where the brothers, their relatives, coaches, teachers, neighbours and so on speak in the brothers’ defence. You really have no idea about this case SMH. Also, The prosecution’s claim that the brothers were after the estate was refuted by the brothers’ defence. They were rich kids, and spending that amount of money wasn’t out of the ordinary for them. They consulted with their relatives before making those investments which the relatives confirmed during the trials. Homophobic individuals and pedophiles will often call the brothers liars for obvious reasons. These brothers literally go into excruciating detail about their abuse, and people still call them liars. It’s unfortunate but not surprising.
@@shrikantmahajan831 llf if my mum and dad done all the stuff their parents did ur fucking right I'm treating myself when the bastards die 💅 I'd be off on holiday on spending sprees especially with the amount they had 💁
he says getting away from home, moving into a dorm was the most important thing in his life because that’s the only thing that would stop the molestation. my heart is broken for them. they deserve to be freed.
Yep. His father pushed him to this when he not only abused him but tried to keep him as a toy indefinitely. He tried the peaceful route, but that disgusting monster wasn't going to allow that to happen.
This trial was in the 90’s when ppl didn’t understand the psychological damage of grooming and abuse. Also gypsy didn’t kill her mom, she hid in a different room while her bf did the actual murder. So easier to charge her with less or broker a deal
His dad was really sick. And one thing he may have forgotten to mention, or maybe I just overlooked, was the fact that his dad was a corporate executive for the entertainment industry and we all know what those kinds of men are like.
So sad. I think the father also managed this Puerto Rican boy band in which a documentary was released last month detailing the r*pe and abuse they endured by grown men from as young of the age of 11
I've never wanted to hug someone more in my life.. Watching this was torturous. They've been through hell and back, and the fact that they're still going through it is killing me.
His mum admitting she knew and never felt like intervening and stopping the abuse because no one ever helped her… what an absolute monster she was, just like her husband. These poor boys. All I can say is thank god they have each other
I just don’t understand it like you are the father of your sons but you’re molesting them and abusing them….you just took away their whole life and their innocence basically:( so sad💔 they need to be free now! I am not saying that killing your parents is okay but they KILLED their parents of self-defense not MURDER. Self-Defense is not murder. They been through a lot, just let them be free! 31 years is ENOUGH
@@majahaugen8870 Murder is wrong I agree, but you have to admit its not easy to disclose the abuse that society is not willing to listen to . And he did not disclose it for his own sake regarding sentencing , it is obvious he disclosed it for the sake of other like him going threw the same abuse right now and becoming murderess just as he did. That takes courage to do such a thing , most killers take it to there grave cause they dont want to ruin there image with society .
37:50 showing a victim a photograph of their CP is absolutely foul. These guys need to be freed. Frankly the parents got what was coming to them. They weren’t safe, and they protected themselves.
I was thinking that!! When Erik’s lawyer began putting up the pictures the camera panned across that one and I was like wtffff why is that being shown to everyone in the courtroom?? And I swear this was televised
@@rhymeswithwitches How do you know what photo was that? Who are you to say they need to be freed? How can you say their parents deserved it while there is no proof, only the testimonies and the fact that the father had a controlling nature?
@@Narcis.N Either the same photo or a similar photo was shown minutes earlier at 32:02. Any photos of someone in a vulnerable state as that should not be put on display. It's just basic human decency to understand that. And anybody can have an opinion about whether or not they should be freed. You clearly have your own. So can @rhymeswithwitches.
There are a lot of comments about his attorney. She is HIS defense attorney and she fought for him with everything she had. In the second trial she became his court appointed attorney for half her wage because he was out of money. Minimizing the abuse and using euphemistic language was a strategy to avoid "the abuse excuse" being used. The defense was trying to argue that they did not kill their parents out of revenge for the abuse but because they were in fear of being killed themselves in the moment. Imperfect self-defense.
Not only that but the Prosecutors literally said "the brothers couldn't have been raped because they don't have the right equipment". And in the second trial the sexual abuse defence wasn't allowed? Also they were only ever caught because the psychiatrist broke client privilege and told his crazy mistress.. And Dr Oziels license was revoked after this for "unethical misconduct" but the tapes were still allowed to be used? The trials were rigged against the brothers from the start, they should have got manslaughter but that was taken off the table so the Jury basically have the brothers admitting to the murders and are expected to find them not guilty? The only options were Murder charge or not guilty.. And they weren't even allowed to explain why in the second trial
Exactly Leslie was getting annoyed with the prosecutor when he was relentlessly repeating questions to Erik and Erik was visually annoyed too. Leslie was at Erik’s corner supporting him with everything she had. I think people forget that Leslie was his lawyer and she had to be formal to the court and jury when describing the abuse, murder and other acts and I think Erik understood that she had to be like that
“A boy who had sex with his father” that’s really just disgusting to say to someone who had no choice , someone who was getting sexually violated by their parent /protector for months and years ofc he didn’t want any one to know
The definition of rape and abuse has changed over the years due to social views. There's no way it would be acceptable to say that now but back then child abuse was not viewed in the same way and terminology was different.
@@sandylee9377yk what’s funny , recently there was a trial in france , a woman was drged for years by her husbands to let other men rape her , and during the trial the judge called these men the woman’s « sexual partner » lot of things changed but we still have some improvements to do
I agree. However Erik was apparently triggered by the word rape and he also described his abuse as “sex” so maybe this was her way of trying to make it easier for him to speak about it
Hate so much that they use the word s3x instead of Abuse. It ruins the outlook on the experience and what it could be for him and even potentially finding love. So sad. Truly an unfortunate situation! 💔 really hope these boys get a retrial, you can hear the hurt in his voice.
I totally agree with you. I don’t know if this is true, but I read this thing that they have them say that because saying “rape” was triggering to Erik.
I believe Eric and Lyle Menendez. This case needs revisiting in light of new understandings about the devastating consequences of childhood sexual abuse and incest. I hate that they call it sex rather than what it was. Rape.
@@angelahambley6066 if they were women, nobody would've doubted the abuse testimony. But, murder is murder. They deserved prison time, it's just that the verdict should've been manslaughter and not first degree murder. 15-20 years were enough, life without parole is really unfair. Now they should be set free because they clearly aren't a threat to anyone. Also, lyle and erik love each other very much and they remained separated for almost 22 years!! I believe that itself is enough punishment for them 😭😭
I'm astonished at how insensitive these people were towards him. How can you look a victim in the eye during trial, after hearing their story and reasoning, and still have the audacity to ask what drove them to do what they did?? If the Menendez brothers were women, I can guarantee they wouldn't be in prison right now.
Because they're asking 'for the record'. I study law and there's rarely a lot of empathy unless the person on the stand is a minor or crying so hard they're unable to answer. They need to ask 'harsh' or 'rude' questions, sometimes repeatedly, to build the case. That's all. Same for women.
The Netflix representation of these men is disgusting. Sexualizing and romanticizing childhood sexual and emotional trauma victims is WRONG. This is their story, not Netflix’s. Disgustingly insensitive depiction on behalf of Netflix and the producers.
Yeah, it's really disgusting. Ryan Murphy loves trauma porn. Netflix is just as bad. I am so angry and heartbroken over this. I can't even imagine what Lyle and Erik must be feeling.
Traumatized young men (erik raped repeatedly by his father from ages 6-18) do not deserve to be depicted as flamboyant incestuous lovers- especially when court trials depict an entirely different story: men who are deeply ashamed of their abuse and sexuality.
Poor guy all the questions were simply pure hell. You can hear the fear in his voice and overall super anxious. Truly Hope Lyle and Eric get another chance.
Lol! It’s so scripted and full of lies that they were made you to believe their lies. @1:43:30 mark, he said that he answered Lyle’s question (who knows about the rape,does mom know?) and his answer was “no! Mom doesn’t know. Had she known…. And his lawyer steered the topic away. 😂. Too bad, we will never know the side of their parents. Because they made sure their parents won’t!
It still blows my mind how these two even were convicted, and the judge not allowing all abuse testimony in the second trail just to save the DA to win a case. These men were VICTIMS and should've never went to prison for life. All that abuse and trauma for their entire childhood they were bound to snap, anyone would.
They should be released now and allowed to live the rest of their lives in peace with help and support they need and know what real love and happiness feels like
@@mickey1271 ritualistic abuse causes one to feel they cannot get out. Trauma is beyond complex. I suggest reading up on trauma and you may view things differently but we are all entitled to our opinion.
The monsters in this story are Jose Menendez and his wife. The brothers are victims and they have spent over 35 years in prison. What sort of justice is this?
They were not boys who had sex with their father. They were boys who were ABUSED by their father. This attorney is absolutely awful and completely insensitive towards him. It's heartbreaking
I would like to add the lawyer is not doing this out of disrespect but because she has to. She cannot say rape and says sex instead because saying rape would be making an accusation that the father has not been found guilty of, because the act of rape is a crime. Making the accusation that their father abused them in that way would only hurt the brothers case
This case is the perfect example of sheer injustice and open bias! There were so many proofs and witnesses which were not even allowed in the second trial. Anyone who says that the abuse testimony is a straightforward lie either hasn't done proper research or doesn't have a beating heart inside of them! Destiny has been so unfair to both these men. They always suffered and never got any chance to experience a peaceful and happy life. 31 years is more than enough, they should be released now!!
I didn’t believe any of it. They allowed a ton of hearsay in the first trial that wasn’t fair to the victims. If there was so much evidence, they could’ve had the parents arrested. The parents may have been found guilty and went to prison. But then the killers would be broke. If everything they claimed were true, don’t they still need to be removed from society? If blasting people to pieces with a shotgun is how they deal with stress, trauma and abuse, that’s dangerous. You’re going to go through some serious things in life. You can’t just murder someone because they did you wrong. What you call suffering, I call privilege. Ivy League schools, private tennis lessons and coaches, luxury vehicles and vacations. Lyle was away at Princeton, because of his father’s connections. The father bailed them out of jail and made sure they didn’t go to prison. They were breaking in houses, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and valuable items. They couldn’t even hold jobs in their father’s own company. The other employees were complaining about special treatment because anyone else would be fired for such performance. They were away from the house for days before the murders. They could have simply not come back. Lyle was due back at Princeton shortly. They used the cars and money provided by their parents to buy the murder weapons. Dirty as hell. Why would you even want to inherit anything from people that abused you your whole life? Wouldn’t you want zero contact and just go your own way once you’re an adult? It doesn’t make sense. They spent millions immediately after the murders. They seemed to think that they deserved what their parents worked so hard for. It’s really sickening. They are a special sort of evil to do such a thing to the people that gave them life. So they should forfeit their own. What they did was totally unnecessary.
I completely see that he's a victim and not lying, when many people thought he was. This case is completely heartbreaking for me. When you're a victim of sexual abuse, it damages you. This is why I wanted to watch it. I was curious and halfway through watching it, I cried. I'm a victim myself and my heart breaks for both of these men. He was so brave speaking openly about this, I know it's hard for him though. Many people have commented in the past how they thought him smiling was evil, but yet they don't understand it's a coping mechanism. I talked openly about my abuse myself, and smiled and nobody quite understood it. This case is completely heartbreaking, they both need to be free. "I just wanted it to stop." 😢
These poor boys did whatever they had to do to cope with living in the nightmare they were living, Im surprised they turned out as articulate and soft spoken as they are
@@bford5899you can hear the pain in his voice. He can barely get the words out because he’s clearly traumatized. And such deep trauma is very difficult to talk about. You can’t just assume they should’ve been comfortable enough to trust their therapist and talk about this immediately. When you’re being abused like that you don’t trust anyone. This is his testimony and he’s saying his truth, even though it’s extremely painful.
It aches my heart seeing Erik trying to get his words out saying “my dad has been molesting me” while physically struggling. They deserved better. The government/society failed them.
The judge seems so inappropriate. Commanding Erik to “speak up!” as he’s detailing this father’s sexual abuse and how it affected him. Also he seems really biased against the defense.
His father was a very rich, famous & well known man. I’m sure the judge knew his father and probably believed they were guilty or who knows, the way things are going in this world with famous celebrities, politicians who are pedos who knows if this judge was a pedo too and knew the truth. Anything is possible
@@tiffanybarefield1227 yes but when you're talking to them you don't have to and you should not use a harsh demeaning tone, regardless of what they are in court for, during the process everyone should be treated with respect. especially considering the sensitive nature where we all know the fact that these boys were most definitely victims of severe sexual, physical and mental abuse and that was the context of the conversation at the time -- verbalising it for the first time, to a court and on live television for millions of people to see.
Imagine having your own dad put a knife against your throat because you won’t have s3x with him..so heartbreaking these boys deserve so much better!💔❤️
yes and they need to be free if they act on such way with parents is because they was full of abuse frothier parents and the mom was the worst to not defense her children!
It’s been 31 years. If any two people deserved to be released from prison it’s these two brothers. They’ve served more than enough time to pay for their crimes!! Shame on the media portraying them as heartless money hungry spoiled brats… couldn’t have been further from the truth. There has to be a way to get them released. Pedophiles that do horrific things and murder innocent babies get lesser sentences.
Exactly so sick of peds getting little to no time in prison while these boys went thru hell with living with nothing but abuse there entire lives to say they did it for money is just disgusting they had money already.. truly heartbreaking 😢
I’m sure everybody has noticed how not one person from the justice system has taken the lead to get these two victims released from prison!! Sure, almost everybody who knows anything about this case feels strongly that Erik and Lyle have served more than enough time, but the very people who are supposed to be leaders in the justice machine have not said a word about freeing them. It’s disgusting.
Even just watching their testimonies I feel so protective of them, like when the judge pretty much yells at Erik to "speak up" I just want to jump through the screen and smack the shit out of him fr
Have you seen the trial of Tammy moorer? It takes place in horry county South Carolina. It truly is a crime Judge Dennis and that good ole boy shite going on down there. I couldn't believe my eyes. Its a fascinating case though. Her and her coward of a husband got 30 years on down to the minute circumstantial evidene along for the kidnapping and conspiracy to kidnap Heather Elvis from the Peachtree landing. there were rumors that Heather was pregnant by the husband and Tammy the cycle wife went nuts and they followed their digital footprint of them stalking and actually hunting this young girl out.
ikr...the fact that there were zoomed in pictures of HIS GENITALS as a child...and also the fact that a doctor testified that he had a throat injury which could be indicator of rape....the judge is insane
This case is absolutely sickening SHAME ON THE JUDGE SHAME ON ANYONE WHO DID NOT BELIEVE THESE MEN - free the Menéndez brothers, they did humanity a favor
@@eshjaneall experts who investigated them thoroughly disagree with you. Maybe watch their testimonys if you not sure how to distinguish between people who lie or people who are genuine.
It's not uncommon for victims to blame themselves for why the abuse continues but it's NOT their fault. Children don't know that it's wrong until they get older. Especially when they are told by the abuser when they are a child that they love them. They associate love with abuse. It's so evil and so physiologically and emotionally damaging.
She fought for them like she was their mom. She truly cared about them, especially Eric. The abuse he had to endure his whole life was AWFUL. She was the perfect attorney for this case - absolutely FIERCE during this trial ….anyone would feel safe and reassured having her in their corner, even out of court, i’m sure..
@@mignonette7I'm in the same boat I feel like they were spoiled brats who didn't get their way and killed their parents and then came to court with fake molestation accusations paired with really good acting from years at acting school.
@@mattrose11234Roy Roselle from boy band Menudo came forward with allegations of Jose Menendez raping him when Edgardo Diaz brought him over to Jose’s house. At the time Jose Menendez was the director of RCA records. Menudo members are also alleging that Edgardo Diaz raped them.
i’ve noticed that this is the only testimony that lyle is watching erik so intently because he was nervous for him because it was erik’s first time on the stand. other testimonies lyle is looking down but this one you can tell he’s really watching him. my heart 😭
@@geneticgreed you do realize there was quite of a bit of lying involved with the brothers, right? Not least of which was Lyle using God knows how many “dimes” in prison to phone a friend in unsuccessful attempts to solicit perjurious testimony favorable to his case.
@@sturnlivias yes i thought so too. Also, i think he wants his little brother to know that he can get a little comfort from a look of him or a little nod so he would be able to get through this torture till it ends.
Erik is today 51 years old, Lyle is today 53 years old. These men have had no life, only torture. Between 6 and 8, Jose Menendez began molesting Lyle between the ages of 6 and 8 years old. Erik, the younger brother, was molested from 6 years old. He hadn’t even formed more than a handful of permanent memories before this age. Jose Menendez continued to systematically molest and rape Erik until the day that Erik killed him through self-defence. Their mother, Kitty Menendez was a Benzo addict, an alcoholic, completely co-dependent on her husband Jose, also a victim of his, who then became another perpetrator. She lacked all maternal instinct, or drowned it all out with substances and Jose’s abuse. She wouldn’t protect or believe her sons, nourish their emotional needs, nothing. All she did was enable her husband to further abuse their children, a force of terror together. Both of the boys grew up in a home with all the money in the world, and zero love, safety, or tenderness. Their father Jose Menendez was a tyrant who verbally, emotionally, physically abused and controlled his children at every end and turn. He would take his boys few sources of happiness and escape in the world, and use it as a source of punishment and fear to terrorise them. I wept when I heard Erik talk about the tournaments he played, he lit up talking about tennis and travelling to the tournaments, even though his parents were there and abusing him at the same time, he found some moments of happiness and pride there. Erik especially never had a life. Erik was 6 years old when his father began molesting and raping him. His entire understanding of sex and sexuality was horror, multiple times a week rape and abuse over 12 years which only ended because he ended his parents life in self defence. Erik had disclosed his sexual abuse several times as a child. The people he told didn’t believe him, or couldn’t help him because they were also children. Now, they are in their early fifties. Still living with their trauma every moment of the day. In a prison. They will never leave until they die, out the back in a body bag, in a paupers grave. We failed them, because they are male victims of male, incest sexual abuse from an extremely wealthy and privileged family.
You're cutting Kitty a lot of slack. She was disgusting. Wouldn't feed the boys as toddlers, didn't care when they got lost at the mall (and kept shopping when security called her), and told multiple family members she hated the boys and they'd ruined her life.
Absolutely agree. Her, just like my own mother allowed all the abuse happen. Her role as a mother was to take the kids and leave, she had money my mother didn’t (mine used this as an excuse). She should be guilty, but you won’t sentence a dead body. She failed her 2 children she carried in her own body, it is beyond my comprehension that a woman can do that, that my mother did that too. I asked my mother to leave my dad after he tried to choke me in the snow outside and only stopped because our dog attacked him and bit his face and arm seriously to protect me. I ran. Next day I have my mother an option to choose me or him. She chose him. She stayed and out me through another 7 years of daily physical and emotional abuse. I do understand these boys and they have all my support, if only I could help them in any way. I hope they will get to be free one day, praying for them to live at least 1day in freedom and happiness.
@@KKk-lz7ut Im so sorry to hear this. It really breaks my heart to hear you went through all tis hell. All my love to you. I hope you could built up your life after all this. A huge hug from someone who cares about you.
Tbf this jury didn’t. They were a Hung jury here. The second trial, where the judge limited the abuse talk and said they couldn’t use imperfect self defense is the trial that they got convicted. It was a very different trial because of Weisberg’s instructions of what was and was not allowed in.
The judge was biased against male sexual abuse, he said male could not be raped because of lack of equipment, how disgusting and disrespectful was that???
@@maimaim23 sorry…one of their prosecutors, Lyle's prosecutor, Pam Bozanich, argued that "men could not be raped, because they lack the necessary equipment to be raped.
No serial killer got as harsh punishment as the Menendez brothers. They were raped and abused since they were little kids. They just wanted to finally end that hell. FREE THEM, THEY ARE VICTIMS! GIVE THEM THEIR JUSTICE AND FREEDOM THEY DESERVE SM!!!
Ted bundy did and some others too. But these two were abused, molested, raped. They don't deserve death penalty. Ted killed so many women by hate and rage. They killed their parents because of the hell they were put through. It is completely different.
THESE GUYS were found guilty but OJ was found not guilty??? Anyone involved in locking them up and letting him off should be ASHAMED of themselves. Lyle and Eric are so obviously victims and were treated like dog crap...even the judge is a jerk to the defense. OJ was so obviously guilty and that judge was a joke too. What a tragedy of justice in both cases. Let these guys go. They deserve some happiness in this lifetime, free of abuse and free from bars. God bless them❤
The judges had nothing to do with either cases. Marcia and Leslie had terrible approaches to questioning. Also, both cases were in the hands of two horrible juries. No one liked female attorneys, with awful perms, in the early 90s.
The fact that they had naked photos when they were basically little boys says it all. I can’t believe the jury thought that was normal and didn’t believe the sexual abuse. I just want to hug them.
How these two survived their childhood, then not believed in court and still locked up is just horrific. We as humans can treat others terribly. Let them out of jail. They will have a lot to offer society with their experiences and give the human race some valuable lessons.
I just watched the documentary on Peacock and one of them helps other sexual abuse guys in prison. They both said that life in prison was great compared to what they were living in. I don't know when that was said, but it was mentioned.
Why not just move out? They were grown men. Go live your own life. That's why they got convicted. Why are you enjoying the money, home, cars of your abusers after you killed them? They partied and had a great time. They wanted the parents money.
@@catdad33 they weren’t six years old when they committed two shotgun murders upon the people that gave them life. What’s wrong with you? They had luxury vehicles provided by their parents and drove the whole coast of California shopping for murder weapons with their parents’ money. They had been away from the house, supposedly for the last four days before the murders. Why not just ride out into the sunset? Lyle was due back at Princeton, where his father got him into. Take your brother and go. They were grown men.
You are right! Justice has not been served in this case. My heart is so sad for Eric. José needed killin'. Kitty, too, because she knew and did nothing.
@@therealdeal3672 And I have heard that Kitty sexually abused them too but they liked that compared to what happened with their dad they would fight over who got to sleep in her bed when their dad was away on business. I dunno if that was a fake story though I don't remember where I heard it.
@@trueCrimeGuruYes wow, I had not heard that part of the story. It sadly doesn't surprise me. Both parents were horrible. I'm sure that Lyle and Eric felt very controlled by both of them. And they were afraid for their lives based on Jose's violent predilections. Justice has not been done.
He doesn't even understand why anyone would think it necessary to explain why he feared his parents. To him, it's as clear of a fact as "the sky is blue". He has lived in fear his whole life! They both deserve to be free!
I feel so terrible for both brothers having to endure a life with all that abuse just to be prisoners again. It's not fair, they need to be released asap!
You can really tell a lot of the pain and trauma and stress was normal to him. His lawyer tried to make him explain how the father dictated his whole life which is awful but he just strugged because that was his whole life. Especially the part about the father. It's so clear to him that he could never question his father, but to people who were never abused, they wouldn't get that
He couldn’t even look at the picture of him at 38:07 this father was seriously just sick and the mother was just as awful yelling at them telling them she wished they were never born and they ruined her life and she hated them . Absolutely sick parents
It’s so heartbreaking when the juries wouldn’t wait for him to answer while he was physically struggling to get the word molestation out :/ and they wouldn’t believe him. These poor boys😭😭😭
People who claim that the lavish spending after the killings indicates guilt overlook the fact that this was the children’s normal lifestyle. They were raised in luxury, so spending money is not a reflection of their guilt. Instead, guilt should be assessed based on what led them to kill their parents. If their parents had raised them with love, no amount of wealth could drive them to such an act. It's especially notable that male children often have strong bonds with their mothers. In this case, both children felt their parents did not deserve to live, likely due to their experiences. The prosecution’s argument that money motivated the murder oversimplifies the situation and obscures deeper issues, including potential abuse. In India, there are many cases of honor killings, where parents harm their children to protect their reputation. If these children feared for their lives, it reflects a lifetime of knowing their father's character. It's crucial to consider their background: they have faced mental and physical abuse and are not typical children. Their anger arises from profound pain. I hope they receive a retrial to ensure their voices and experiences are properly heard.
the rich live differently. everyone was blown away that one of them bought a rolex, while already having 5 at home. no big shock. also, in the courts, it was found that only 1 brother “lavishly” spend-i forget which one-revisiting all of this. i think they grieved differently. even with what they did, does not mean they didn’t go through hell internally.
Can you imagine, the mother was actually jealous because her husband wanted to screw his own sons over their mother so she wanted them gone, instead of once thinking of how much they were suffering. Poor Erik and Lyle unbelievable.
30:56 he didn't want to talk about it yet he was made. It's so horrible. No one wants to relive those horrible moments of their life. The recalling of trauma and torture is also very traumatic for a person. How court ignored this is so disgusting and shameful.
I think it's a defence strategy at times. Makes us and the jury feel extra sorry for them. But yes the whole case is sickening. Having 2 repulsive parents like that. Horrific.
For all the people saying “why didn’t they tell someone” their dad was a very impirtant man and knew alot of people. No one was gonna believe them. Also for the people saying “why didn’t they move out they were over 18” they said multiple times that the father was physically abusive and they couldn’t even go to a friends house.
The brothers deserve a re-trial and possibility of parole. They were sexually, mentally, and physically abused for YEARS. Starting at 6 and 8 years old. Why are they STILL in prison?! They acted in self defense!!!
56:17 If you pay attention to Eric's answer to the question asked, his reaction and facial expression, I think it's easy to understand why they killed their parents, and it will be easier to empathize. I really feel sorry for them even if they didn't do the right thing. No one deserves such an unfortunate life and childhood.
@@cindybrockman100 Sociopaths would not make up such self depricating lies. And sociopathy is a result of trauma/neglect/abuse anyways. There is absolutely no motive to lie.
@@cindybrockman100 are you mentally stable? rewatch the interview again and focus on the body language and their voices. these boys are victims and deserved to be sent to therapy. not a life sentence.
Death was too easy for the parents. These men have been abused and miss treated and disgraced by their parents and the so call justice system. I feel they have suffered long enough. FREE THEM
I just came upon this case in one of the bloggers, and man I felt so sad for these guys. I really wish they could get their justice. Noone could fake that naked hurt emotion Eric had while recalling the abuse.
That judge has no respect. Speak up? Doesn't he understand that Erik is in vulnerable state? He was raped for 12 years, please have compassion heartless snake
To live with so much pressure and unbelievable expectations from their monster parents, not to mention being sexually abused all the time, by your father, no less. My heart breaks for these brothers.
both, he and his brother spent their childhood being raped by their sadistic father. Then they spent their adult life in prison. It is time to release them and let them live for god's sake. I know there are fathers like that. I knew a girl, whose mother has passed away when she was a child. As she grown up with her father, he started to rape her at the age of 17 and kept doing it for years and years until she was in her mid 20's. Then she finally ran away with her boyfriend. There are some fucked up people.
To all the people always complaining that the word “rape” was hardly used - I believe this is because it would’ve been extremely triggering for Erik, and he himself called different forms of abuse by his dad “rough sex,” “nice sex,” etc. so they went with that terminology.
![CA v. Menendez: The Day of the Shooting [Trial Archive]](/img/n.gif)
WATCH Gavel-to-Gavel #TrialsOnDemand CA v. MENENDEZ (1993) HERE: www.courttv.com/trials/ca-v-menendez-1993/?
00:00:00 Detective Leslie H Zoeller, lead investigator
00:15:56 Defendant Erik Menendez, direct examination
00:24:37 What cause Erik Menendez & Lyle to kill their parents?
01:12:33 Erik Menendez describes argument with his father about abuse
02:03:26 Erik Menendez testifies to night he shot his parents
woman should not have been allowed on this jury - any man knows that it’s impossible to abuse as grown man.
@@acc4465 what?????
@@acc4465 false
@@linndelorie9972 100 percent true - you are a woman - you have no idea what your are taking about.
@@lissetharias4654 you don’t know anyone who is smart - so this this shocking to you - i know.
Why did they keep saying he was having sex with his father??? In no way would that be considered sex. It’s rape!
Por que eles mataram a mãe?
omg and who wants to be taken advantage of by their parents? let along the father. these people were rich ! they could go find girls anywhere .. when it started sex shouldn’t come across kids minds anyways … and NOBODY about to lie about such embarrassing things like that . not infront of the oes🙂↕️ free them boys!
It’s because technically, the court believed you couldn’t use any bias language and because there wasn’t prove that it happened. So they had to remain as “fair” as possible because saying they were raped might sway the jury to their point of view, which would’ve caused objections. I personally don’t agree with that rule and think they were 100% telling the truth, but it’s just the way it was back then 🤷🏼♀️.
@@v1xlilqis that something that's been said or just something that you're creating in your mind? I'm asking because I've never heard this said before and I'm wondering if you're just creating this narrative. I know Eric himself always called it sex so I just assumed it was easier to refer to it by the name that he called it. Yes, we all know that it's rape, but he always referred to it as different types of sex
@@v1xlilqI mean if this is true then they could have at least called it rape in the opening or closing arguments, just like Casey Anthony's lawyer said that her father put his thing in her mouth everyday as a child. Meanwhile, he didn't even touch on the subject during the trial because he knew that would open the door to Pandora's box. But he definitely used it in his statements to sway the jury and he was allowed without any evidence or testimony!
No wonder victims don’t want to speak up. Imagine being questioned by such callous people, being forced to state very explicit details out loud and still have the possibility that people won’t believe you. This is so heartbreaking.
Yup
Agree 100% - Podcast Real Crime Profile has a four part series on this case. Its amazing and worth a listen.
@@optimisticcosmic I guess it never occurred to them to get the hell out of these people's home, get jobs and provide for themselves.
Imagine if they had reported the alleged abuse. The parents would be on trial where they could face questioning and have a chance to tell their side. The brothers would be free right now.
And she's his "defense" attorney and seems to be attacking him, no wonder they lost.
“A boy who had sex with his father” is such an insult to him and the situation. “A boy who was being r*ped by his father” is what she should be saying 🤬
there has been work erik was severely triggered by the word r4pe
@@2IGHT2EER ok but she can still say that a dad who had sex with his son instead of the opposite way around it’s just common sense (no hate you can also say that cause it’s also common sense!!)
A boy who shot bother their parents in the face then lied about it then used all their parents money to
@@kate_s_90 thought the exact same! Outrageous!
This is exactly what I was thinking! 😮 I hope these guys get out soon. They have suffered wayyyyy too much already
When the judge yelled at him to speak up I literally gasped . The way Erik looks up at him is heartbreaking. Erik is up there talking about his trauma and the worst parts of his life and he can’t even have the decency to speak to erik in a normal way.
Everyone failed these boys ..family , friends , and the justice system. I hope that they can both be free someday soon. They have served more than enough time. 🙁
timestamp?
Same 😮
@@shinyanon7839 1:00:07
When he could not speak because he was crying so much and everyone start to hurry him to speak! I almost yelled "Let him cry!! My god!!
I dislike this judge more than I can articulate.
The difference between Lyles body language and Eriks body language is so crazy. You can tell how shy and damaged Erik is at the hands of his parents and you can tell that in Lyles testony he tries to put up a strong front but whenever he is asked about his bad memories he looked like a scared little kid. These men need to be freed!!!!!!
Verdade, o Erik foi o que sofreu abuso por mais tempo e isso condicionou ele a ter medo. Eu sinto o medo dele no video.
@michellemcmanus2729 of course they gonna pretend to be calm and relaxed, do u know what is Professional hitman Body lenguage? Exact like this, they are professionals pretending it, they wanted to get released through it /// As far as i know there is no way to demostrate there is sexual abuse to them while child, But even if it can be demostrate they murdered their parents, thats not something to feel empathetic, they are not the first or the last kids that get sexual abuse but almost none of them decide to murder their parents, the easiest choice was escape and from them to another country and forget them forever but no, they MURDERED them and on top of that they almost murder their psychiatrist.
@@Jessicatavaresds lets not compare remember lyle had to be the first at everything for his father thats why his hair fall out as 14 and his mother hate him and abused him. both went through alots
😢
🥺🥺😭😭
The part where he said he didn't tell his friends about the ongoing rape because he wanted them to like him just broke my heart.
It’s probably because he’s a man and if he comes out and says he was raped either people wont believe him or won’t take him seriously
To know that your not wanted by your mother and then your not considered anything by your father and then treating him the way he was treated all his life, they should not have gone to jail for this long. He is a survivor
It’s still sad watching this, I remember I was 29 when this happened and first I thought “Greedy People “Both of them “ Until I watched the trial on TV ! It’s sad young man like him can’t make this stuff up! It’s happening Every Day! They should both be let out of jail..Enough is Enough! Alcoholic Mother and a PEDO for a Father! SAD 😢
This guy looks like August The Duck
Bs
When they asked him if he considered running when he heard Lyle got arrested, and he said no because he wanted to be with his brother. Just knowing that they didn’t see each other for 22 YEARS after that really crushes my soul 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
youre right
OMG I didn't know they were apart for 22yrs...
Painful....
I just read that the guards let them spend an hour together when they were finally housed in the same unit.
I agree
@joan-lisa-smith that's so sad 😢
Abused for years by their parents, abused by the legal system, abused by the media, abused by attorneys…what do they get? Life in prison.
They didn’t get life because they were abused… they got life because THEY PLANNED AND CARRIED OUT A DOUBLE HOMICIDE!!
The tragedy of their lives is beyond what I’m able to put into words…
I can’t even describe what I’m feeling as I learn about this case.
@@tluvsbeauty1 yes, I agree. There is an emotion that I too felt when deep diving into this case that I haven't felt before in my life. The Menendez Brothers Case has an effect on people that is indescribable. This case is truly special. I have never sobbed the way I sobbed while watching the court trials. My whole life has become so centered around Erik and Lyle's stories that it is hard to believe that a couple weeks ago I didn't even know who they were. It is easy for us to just toss this case in the trash when we are done with it though. when we have already watched all the documentaries, court tapes, and read all the books. When their story becomes too much, we can just stop thinking about it. The whole vibe this case brings along, with the Milli Vanili songs, and crime scene photos, is just a little trend or, "vibe." But I think we sometimes forget that this case isn't made up, its not like the show Stranger Things where at the end of the day everyone can just forget about it and its all just a thing of the summer of 2023 when stranger things 4 came out. No, the Menendez brothers are sitting in prison as you read this. Their case is not just a trend or vibe, it is their life. When they think of their childhood, that is what they think of. They are living in what most people brush off as a trend. So by reading this message, I hope you realize the deeper meaning of this case, and don't stop saying their names. Don't forget about the brothers, as while their trauma takes place in the past, their story will forever linger in the present, and in our hearts.
Exactly. You to the words right out of my mouth
Well yeah I don't care, they did kill their parents
The fact that he took nearly a minute to answer the" why " question is so heartbreaking.
Interestingly ,both the brothers have the same body language , calmness , composure ,pain ...is unbelievable.
Nice to see more and more fellow Indians support lyle and erik 😊
that moment makes me sad
It could also be because they were forced to restrain their emotions
Stoic.
Not something, when authentic, that can be forced.
All a act!!!!!
During the 90's, it was difficult for people to understand that boys can experience abuse as well. The outcome of the case would've turned out very different if it happened during this decade.
These guys are still alive and they're still young. I'm not from the U.S. but I really wish these brothers would be set free. I hope people will raise their voices for these guys to be free soon.
The 90's wasn't 5 centuries ago and even then, everyone knew that a father that rapes his children regardless of their gender, is a monster. Thing is, their father was an extremely powerful and well-connected man, plus most people didn't believe them; and STILL don't. You should read certain comments made by vile people today...these 2 boys, now men, will be punished until they die in prison. The System their father was a part of, will make sure they do. It's heart-breaking.
Agree! That is why this case should be reconsidered and send them free. They should have a break to go on with their lives. The abuse they have suffered is unbearable.
It still is to this day they don't take men\boys being abused seriously at all . If these were two sisters they would be out of no jail or had no time at all its bs. Should be taken seriously for both men and women it's gross. A lot of women lie about being abused tho also . Men in my book would never lie about this type of abuse EVER!!
Everyone say, thank you feminism!
The fact that Lyles hair was falling out also speaks to his level of stress from being abused by their parents. 😢
stress & hair pulling.
Exactly@bevmarch8383
Absolutely!!! Ryan Murphy should stop making these shows! or anything for that matter
Agree! I will no longer watch anything he produces!
@@bevmarch8383 and he was wetting the bed. Common sign of SA victims.
This is ABSOLUTELY not acting!!! He is even having breathing trouble... I am so sick by the system. From what I see, they killed their parents out of fear and self defense because they thought the parents could kill or harm them further!
Came back here after Netflix show just to remind myself how the real story is. That show is a disservice.
@@LehMarx it was biased.
Same here 😂
Yeah, Ryan Murphy didn’t do the story justice, at all. He took far too much “poetic license”. It’s pitiful. Most of the actors were wonderful, but the story was horribly twisted.
@@slimshead8100It's regrettable that the actors agreed to play this character! The story told by Netflix is false!
@@LehMarx how so?
The fact that I’m willing to watch a 3 hour video at 12 o’clock at night really says something
I did the same. Guilty as charged for binge watching crime and investigation shows at the wrong time.
Such a relatable comment!
Watching this 12am -5am
It says you have too much time on your hands lol.
Me to
How rude they televised victims of abuse, making them recall sexual details of their abuse. This is just disgusting how the legal system abused these boys all over again.
And yet, here you are watching it...
That's how court works darling
@@Tshedza-mq7oh What sexual assault trial for a woman has ever been televised? Is it ok because these were boys in their 20's? Because thats not ok.😠
Are you applying 2024 media ways to 1990 as if the WeToo movement existed 30 years ago? Nobody had a time machine back then. You cannot rewrite HISTORY! It is what it is. It is not "rude". It is obnoxious, over-reported on, etc but certainly current with the time period which was way before cell phones and certainly before social media. 0.12% of the population in 1990 had cell phones. And you know if people did not have cell phones they certainly did not have social media back then because social media did not exist back then. Social media is how people like you learn from others to be "awake".
ABSOLUTELY!! They're being raped again!
Whats disgusting that their rotting father would have gotten less prison sentence if he was caught. They have to be in prison for life for trying to escape from a horrifying predicament. The legal system and their parents failed them. I hope they will be freed and able to live in peace.
you said it, that is the problem, the justice system gives too much power to people who effeectively kidnap others to abuse them, and too little to those trying to escape that
Unfortunately u can’t murder ppl in the USA. He could have escaped other ways
This! Couldn’t have been said any better ! F their parents !
So very true. Disgusting
I hope you guys there who support menendez make a petition or movement to free these brother
The fact that they found naked photos of the boys says enough.
I don't know how can people say that they didn't have any proof of the abuse 🤦♀️
@@sana_the_bookaholicI know right, its so annyoing
@@aliengore yes and even that tape recording of donovan goodreau's conversation with Robert Rand was such a concrete evidence.
@@sana_the_bookaholic BIGGEST EVIDENCE
And the fact that their cousins said that revealed it to them two different cousins one of the boys asked if it was normal when he was only ten (forget which brother) and the other an totally different cousin. An older female cousin said she had one of them beg her when he was 8 to let him sleep with her in the spare room and told her their dad was doing this and then their stupid mother came in and demanded that he not sleep in the spare room with his cousin and go back to his own room.
If this case was tried now, I feel like their sentence would be different.
fr!
On real term I doubt ut because of the gender of the brothers, and what they did to get out of it. All together people say you should murder in self defence but in this case it was needed as it was the only way to get out of it. I mean a rich American family, connections and a strict father there is no way out but nobody would take that as an answer. The justice system back then was fucked and it still is
Rose Charlotte Hayley the law system is flawed as is all
Yes completely agree
Maybe they'd get 20 or so years with the possibility of parole
"Episodes of sexual activity" Rape. It´s called rape. Jesus.
The word rape was a trigger for Erik.
Rape incest and sodomy! They called it having sex !! Deplorable conduct by the attorneys
That is absolutely a shame!!! These Abused boys didn’t have a chance of a Normal Life!!😢
That is absolutely a shame!!! These Abused boys didn’t have a chance of a Normal Life!!😢
@@Sharon-Carrell
And sadly they never will 😢 1:06:13
It’s interesting that in that case where the dad killed the guy that raped his son he only got community service but these guys that were raped for YEARS by their own FATHER are considered sociopaths for killing their abusers. Make it make sense.
Must've been excruciating to sit there for nearly 4 hours answering meaningless and graphic questions in front of a packed courtroom.
With friends and family and America watching.
Just to be sent to life in prison..
And Erik did this multiple times. Just for it to mean nothing and be sentenced to life in prison anyway. So heartbreaking
Why don't you admit that it is invented?I read the comments and am surprised. You people so easily believed that there was sexual abuse!? These are just young rich guys who just lost their temper. You know they robbed the house and it was after that that dad said he would see their legacy. That's why the boys were afraid of losing money. Watch the movie "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story". HE DID NOT TELL THE DOCTOR ABOUT SEXUAL VIOLENCE.. Did you not think that it is difficult for him to speak because he himself is shocked by what he invents?
The questions weren’t at all meaningless. This line of questioning was to convey the extent of the abuse and push the narrative that it was self defense. It also was to urge the jury to be more empathetic to him. I agree though; recalling the worst moments of your life on television only to be sentenced so harshly in the end has to be terrible.
he seems to be physically struggling to get the words out when he first talks about the molestation. It absolutely broke my heart and i had to pause for several minutes and cry. I can’t imagine what he and Lyle went through in that household. May god bless Lyle and Erik.
It made me so uncomfortable. I was crying istg. Imagine having to tell basically the world something that you weren't even comfortable enough to tell ur closest friend. Its so heartbreaking
Okay u kill your parents and give the reason of being abused. Where they clearly spent money like hell clearly indicating that they had their eyes on their parents estate
Great!
@@shrikantmahajan831 There was heavy bias against the brothers at the time because homophobia was rampant in the 80s and 90s (hasn’t changed much but is better now in comparison). the defence produced 51 witnesses that corroborated the brothers’ abuse claims. So idk why on earth you would come in here with that ignorant comment. Watch the testimonies that go on for hours where the brothers, their relatives, coaches, teachers, neighbours and so on speak in the brothers’ defence. You really have no idea about this case SMH. Also, The prosecution’s claim that the brothers were after the estate was refuted by the brothers’ defence. They were rich kids, and spending that amount of money wasn’t out of the ordinary for them. They consulted with their relatives before making those investments which the relatives confirmed during the trials. Homophobic individuals and pedophiles will often call the brothers liars for obvious reasons. These brothers literally go into excruciating detail about their abuse, and people still call them liars. It’s unfortunate but not surprising.
@@shrikantmahajan831 llf if my mum and dad done all the stuff their parents did ur fucking right I'm treating myself when the bastards die 💅 I'd be off on holiday on spending sprees especially with the amount they had 💁
@@shrikantmahajan831 They deserved to go on a spending spree.
The way he kept referring to him as dad. Shows he has respect and still considered him as dearly. Poor kids …
My mom said the same thing!!!
Indeed, they both were afraid of their parents.
Not really. He's just calling him dad because its what he called him. Dad bears no meaning for him
@@rumblefish9he could have very well said father. Dad is intimate
@@sippintea5658yes! You nailed it
he says getting away from home, moving into a dorm was the most important thing in his life because that’s the only thing that would stop the molestation. my heart is broken for them. they deserve to be freed.
Yep. His father pushed him to this when he not only abused him but tried to keep him as a toy indefinitely. He tried the peaceful route, but that disgusting monster wasn't going to allow that to happen.
When Gypsy Rose killed her mom she was given only 10 years of jail time. But these two boys suffered so much and still are in prison 😢
Because she took a deal.
This trial was in the 90’s when ppl didn’t understand the psychological damage of grooming and abuse.
Also gypsy didn’t kill her mom, she hid in a different room while her bf did the actual murder. So easier to charge her with less or broker a deal
@@stonecake313 And the guy that did the actual killing got a life sentence so the point is rather moot.
This was double murder
Gypsy didn't kill her mom she plotted it and then took a deal to ensure the killer got life with her testimony.
His dad was really sick. And one thing he may have forgotten to mention, or maybe I just overlooked, was the fact that his dad was a corporate executive for the entertainment industry and we all know what those kinds of men are like.
So sad. I think the father also managed this Puerto Rican boy band in which a documentary was released last month detailing the r*pe and abuse they endured by grown men from as young of the age of 11
Sick people...those Boys never deserve Life sentence...I'm hoping one day someone will emerge and tell the truth about this sick Dad.
@@TK67162 agreed.
Yup 🍕
@@ellafacebooktruecrimecases3644 100%
I've never wanted to hug someone more in my life.. Watching this was torturous.
They've been through hell and back, and the fact that they're still going through it is killing me.
its not killng you chill out.
@@kendracundiff8197 It's just a figure of speech, why are you so stressed about it?
😂😂😂@@selenagilbert5614
Have you seen Barbara walters interview with them? I recommend it to you.
@@mcfr1977 I actually have, and it disgusted me how biased she was, and the way she behaved with the boys. She was there as a judge, not a reporter
His mum admitting she knew and never felt like intervening and stopping the abuse because no one ever helped her… what an absolute monster she was, just like her husband. These poor boys. All I can say is thank god they have each other
It just blows my mind that these boys got the same sentence that a serial killer would get!🤯
Exactly and the media keep making them look like monsters
@@asiyyahmullen8777 yeah. That's disgusting😔
Not even serial killers got this much time....nor sexual abuser....
I just don’t understand it like you are the father of your sons but you’re molesting them and abusing them….you just took away their whole life and their innocence basically:( so sad💔 they need to be free now! I am not saying that killing your parents is okay but they KILLED their parents of self-defense not MURDER. Self-Defense is not murder. They been through a lot, just let them be free! 31 years is ENOUGH
@@hazeldelacruz7575 well said
I think these brothers should be released now
Agreed. Considering the circumstances, they have served enough time.
agreed.
Agreed
Nothing justifies murder.
@@mickey1271 whatever bud
This poor kid is a hero for speaking the truth, not an easy thing to do for those most offended by the ones they love/loved...
Exactly. I kept thinking how strong they must have been to tell the truth. It's just heartbreaking.
@@majahaugen8870 Murder is wrong I agree, but you have to admit its not easy to disclose the abuse that society is not willing to listen to . And he did not disclose it for his own sake regarding sentencing , it is obvious he disclosed it for the sake of other like him going threw the same abuse right now and becoming murderess just as he did. That takes courage to do such a thing , most killers take it to there grave cause they dont want to ruin there image with society .
@@majahaugen8870 The Narcissism must be revealed to all .
Absolutely.
And to have it on live television.
37:50 showing a victim a photograph of their CP is absolutely foul. These guys need to be freed. Frankly the parents got what was coming to them. They weren’t safe, and they protected themselves.
It's disgusting. They really didn't care for their trauma
I was thinking that!! When Erik’s lawyer began putting up the pictures the camera panned across that one and I was like wtffff why is that being shown to everyone in the courtroom?? And I swear this was televised
@@rhymeswithwitches How do you know what photo was that? Who are you to say they need to be freed? How can you say their parents deserved it while there is no proof, only the testimonies and the fact that the father had a controlling nature?
@@Narcis.N Either the same photo or a similar photo was shown minutes earlier at 32:02. Any photos of someone in a vulnerable state as that should not be put on display. It's just basic human decency to understand that. And anybody can have an opinion about whether or not they should be freed. You clearly have your own. So can @rhymeswithwitches.
@@Narcis.N well they have new evidence now of a letter that one of them wrote to their cousins saying that their dad was r*ping them.
There are a lot of comments about his attorney. She is HIS defense attorney and she fought for him with everything she had. In the second trial she became his court appointed attorney for half her wage because he was out of money. Minimizing the abuse and using euphemistic language was a strategy to avoid "the abuse excuse" being used. The defense was trying to argue that they did not kill their parents out of revenge for the abuse but because they were in fear of being killed themselves in the moment. Imperfect self-defense.
@@beckybarger3446 Oh. I was feeling defensive about her tone. I assumed that was the prosecuting attorney. Hmmm...
@@beckybarger3446 The defense attorney came up with the idea of claiming abuse. Never made sense that they thought they were in immediate danger.
Not only that but the Prosecutors literally said "the brothers couldn't have been raped because they don't have the right equipment". And in the second trial the sexual abuse defence wasn't allowed? Also they were only ever caught because the psychiatrist broke client privilege and told his crazy mistress.. And Dr Oziels license was revoked after this for "unethical misconduct" but the tapes were still allowed to be used? The trials were rigged against the brothers from the start, they should have got manslaughter but that was taken off the table so the Jury basically have the brothers admitting to the murders and are expected to find them not guilty? The only options were Murder charge or not guilty.. And they weren't even allowed to explain why in the second trial
Exactly Leslie was getting annoyed with the prosecutor when he was relentlessly repeating questions to Erik and Erik was visually annoyed too. Leslie was at Erik’s corner supporting him with everything she had. I think people forget that Leslie was his lawyer and she had to be formal to the court and jury when describing the abuse, murder and other acts and I think Erik understood that she had to be like that
She was actually working pro bono for his 2nd trial
“A boy who had sex with his father” that’s really just disgusting to say to someone who had no choice , someone who was getting sexually violated by their parent /protector for months and years ofc he didn’t want any one to know
The definition of rape and abuse has changed over the years due to social views. There's no way it would be acceptable to say that now but back then child abuse was not viewed in the same way and terminology was different.
@@sandylee9377yk what’s funny , recently there was a trial in france , a woman was drged for years by her husbands to let other men rape her , and during the trial the judge called these men the woman’s « sexual partner » lot of things changed but we still have some improvements to do
I agree. However Erik was apparently triggered by the word rape and he also described his abuse as “sex” so maybe this was her way of trying to make it easier for him to speak about it
the world has changed, and they need to be let out of prison
Hate so much that they use the word s3x instead of Abuse. It ruins the outlook on the experience and what it could be for him and even potentially finding love. So sad. Truly an unfortunate situation! 💔 really hope these boys get a retrial, you can hear the hurt in his voice.
I totally agree with you. I don’t know if this is true, but I read this thing that they have them say that because saying “rape” was triggering to Erik.
It’s disgusting how they are talking about them having sex, as if it could have been consensual, as if he had a choice. He was a child🥺extremely sad
I believe Eric and Lyle Menendez. This case needs revisiting in light of new understandings about the devastating consequences of childhood sexual abuse and incest.
I hate that they call it sex rather than what it was. Rape.
In my humble opinion, they use the word $ex because the defendant would be more comfortable than calling it r@pe.
@@sana_the_bookaholic you very well could be right. Thanks for the insight.
@@therealdeal3672 you're welcome my friend. I hope you have a great day/ night 😊
If they were female they would not of been sent to prison
@@angelahambley6066 if they were women, nobody would've doubted the abuse testimony. But, murder is murder. They deserved prison time, it's just that the verdict should've been manslaughter and not first degree murder. 15-20 years were enough, life without parole is really unfair. Now they should be set free because they clearly aren't a threat to anyone. Also, lyle and erik love each other very much and they remained separated for almost 22 years!! I believe that itself is enough punishment for them 😭😭
Seems like playing tennis was something he was really proud of. His face lights up a little when he spoke about tennis. You see passion right there.
I'm astonished at how insensitive these people were towards him. How can you look a victim in the eye during trial, after hearing their story and reasoning, and still have the audacity to ask what drove them to do what they did?? If the Menendez brothers were women, I can guarantee they wouldn't be in prison right now.
📠📠📠📠
Because they're asking 'for the record'. I study law and there's rarely a lot of empathy unless the person on the stand is a minor or crying so hard they're unable to answer. They need to ask 'harsh' or 'rude' questions, sometimes repeatedly, to build the case. That's all. Same for women.
So true isn’t it?
There are plenty of woman in prison for murdering their rapist.
@@jaymorgan8013 And out of the ones in prison, there are plenty more who haven't faced any jail time at all
The Netflix representation of these men is disgusting. Sexualizing and romanticizing childhood sexual and emotional trauma victims is WRONG.
This is their story, not Netflix’s. Disgustingly insensitive depiction on behalf of Netflix and the producers.
Yeah, it's really disgusting. Ryan Murphy loves trauma porn. Netflix is just as bad. I am so angry and heartbroken over this. I can't even imagine what Lyle and Erik must be feeling.
Traumatized young men (erik raped repeatedly by his father from ages 6-18) do not deserve to be depicted as flamboyant incestuous lovers- especially when court trials depict an entirely different story: men who are deeply ashamed of their abuse and sexuality.
Poor guy all the questions were simply pure hell. You can hear the fear in his voice and overall super anxious. Truly Hope Lyle and Eric get another chance.
Not!
Aren’t they due to get out? I was just reading something about this.
@@Stargazergirl104 no. Never.
Lol! It’s so scripted and full of lies that they were made you to believe their lies. @1:43:30 mark, he said that he answered Lyle’s question (who knows about the rape,does mom know?) and his answer was “no! Mom doesn’t know. Had she known…. And his lawyer steered the topic away. 😂. Too bad, we will never know the side of their parents. Because they made sure their parents won’t!
It still blows my mind how these two even were convicted, and the judge not allowing all abuse testimony in the second trail just to save the DA to win a case. These men were VICTIMS and should've never went to prison for life. All that abuse and trauma for their entire childhood they were bound to snap, anyone would.
They should be released now and allowed to live the rest of their lives in peace with help and support they need and know what real love and happiness feels like
@@angelahambley6066 exactly
They didn't snap, they planned it.
@@mickey1271 ritualistic abuse causes one to feel they cannot get out. Trauma is beyond complex. I suggest reading up on trauma and you may view things differently but we are all entitled to our opinion.
@@icequeb1560 They should have been convicted of manslaughter, not murder.
They are 50 and 53 years old now... free them!!!
WHAT OMG
How many years are there in jail?
@@brendabakos9259 I think for life :(
@@brendabakos9259 they both have life in prison.:(
my parents' age
The monsters in this story are Jose Menendez and his wife. The brothers are victims and they have spent over 35 years in prison. What sort of justice is this?
Not sure ,quite the opposite
They were not boys who had sex with their father. They were boys who were ABUSED by their father. This attorney is absolutely awful and completely insensitive towards him. It's heartbreaking
It should be illegal for an attorney to talk like that.
thank you!!! the terminology they are using is pissing me off so bad
I would like to add the lawyer is not doing this out of disrespect but because she has to. She cannot say rape and says sex instead because saying rape would be making an accusation that the father has not been found guilty of, because the act of rape is a crime. Making the accusation that their father abused them in that way would only hurt the brothers case
They were not just Abused... they were Se*ually Abused!
@@hannaholson9006I think that should change because it would be very traumatic to keep saying you had s*ex with your father making it sound normal
This case is the perfect example of sheer injustice and open bias! There were so many proofs and witnesses which were not even allowed in the second trial. Anyone who says that the abuse testimony is a straightforward lie either hasn't done proper research or doesn't have a beating heart inside of them! Destiny has been so unfair to both these men. They always suffered and never got any chance to experience a peaceful and happy life. 31 years is more than enough, they should be released now!!
I didn’t believe any of it. They allowed a ton of hearsay in the first trial that wasn’t fair to the victims. If there was so much evidence, they could’ve had the parents arrested. The parents may have been found guilty and went to prison. But then the killers would be broke. If everything they claimed were true, don’t they still need to be removed from society? If blasting people to pieces with a shotgun is how they deal with stress, trauma and abuse, that’s dangerous. You’re going to go through some serious things in life. You can’t just murder someone because they did you wrong. What you call suffering, I call privilege. Ivy League schools, private tennis lessons and coaches, luxury vehicles and vacations. Lyle was away at Princeton, because of his father’s connections. The father bailed them out of jail and made sure they didn’t go to prison. They were breaking in houses, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and valuable items. They couldn’t even hold jobs in their father’s own company. The other employees were complaining about special treatment because anyone else would be fired for such performance. They were away from the house for days before the murders. They could have simply not come back. Lyle was due back at Princeton shortly. They used the cars and money provided by their parents to buy the murder weapons. Dirty as hell. Why would you even want to inherit anything from people that abused you your whole life? Wouldn’t you want zero contact and just go your own way once you’re an adult? It doesn’t make sense. They spent millions immediately after the murders. They seemed to think that they deserved what their parents worked so hard for. It’s really sickening. They are a special sort of evil to do such a thing to the people that gave them life. So they should forfeit their own. What they did was totally unnecessary.
Let them out now. WTF?! I cannot believe these victims are still in prison.
Why do people keep saying this?
@@JadeDude1973you need a lobotomy if you still don’t understand.
They are murders.
@@tatimiracy no they arent
@@tatimiracy unless u have the exact same childhood as them do NOT speak
He wasn’t having sex with his father he was being abused by his father ! 🤬
I completely see that he's a victim and not lying, when many people thought he was. This case is completely heartbreaking for me. When you're a victim of sexual abuse, it damages you. This is why I wanted to watch it. I was curious and halfway through watching it, I cried. I'm a victim myself and my heart breaks for both of these men. He was so brave speaking openly about this, I know it's hard for him though. Many people have commented in the past how they thought him smiling was evil, but yet they don't understand it's a coping mechanism. I talked openly about my abuse myself, and smiled and nobody quite understood it. This case is completely heartbreaking, they both need to be free. "I just wanted it to stop." 😢
These poor boys did whatever they had to do to cope with living in the nightmare they were living, Im surprised they turned out as articulate and soft spoken as they are
@@kellycismoski5098😅😅😅😅😅😅They are very good actors
I think smiling is because it’s uncomfortable
@@bford5899you can hear the pain in his voice. He can barely get the words out because he’s clearly traumatized.
And such deep trauma is very difficult to talk about. You can’t just assume they should’ve been comfortable enough to trust their therapist and talk about this immediately. When you’re being abused like that you don’t trust anyone. This is his testimony and he’s saying his truth, even though it’s extremely painful.
I hope you’re ok now. It’s not easy. My best wishes for you
Ryan Murphy should be jailed for turning their tragic story into one of his sick gay fantasies
He really loves trauma porn. It's absolutely disgusting.
I agree😊
FOR REAL sick af
My thoughts exactly
doesn’t sit right with me
They did nothing wrong. Our system is a total failure.
It aches my heart seeing Erik trying to get his words out saying “my dad has been molesting me” while physically struggling. They deserved better. The government/society failed them.
The judge seems so inappropriate. Commanding Erik to “speak up!” as he’s detailing this father’s sexual abuse and how it affected him. Also he seems really biased against the defense.
His father was a very rich, famous & well known man. I’m sure the judge knew his father and probably believed they were guilty or who knows, the way things are going in this world with famous celebrities, politicians who are pedos who knows if this judge was a pedo too and knew the truth. Anything is possible
@@sww3405 absolutely correct
@@sww3405 Yes because it was important for the jury to hear his testimony clearly since the abuse was the basis of his defense
@@tiffanybarefield1227 yes but when you're talking to them you don't have to and you should not use a harsh demeaning tone, regardless of what they are in court for, during the process everyone should be treated with respect. especially considering the sensitive nature where we all know the fact that these boys were most definitely victims of severe sexual, physical and mental abuse and that was the context of the conversation at the time -- verbalising it for the first time, to a court and on live television for millions of people to see.
Seriously. I can’t take it😢 the lack of compassion from the judge. They are all disgusting
This cause is so disturbing...I can't imagine what they felt. They deserve justice.
Imagine having your own dad put a knife against your throat because you won’t have s3x with him..so heartbreaking these boys deserve so much better!💔❤️
@@aubreezii 😔😔
yes and they need to be free if they act on such way with parents is because they was full of abuse frothier parents and the mom was the worst to not defense her children!
Did u see the father putting a knife against his throat? The answer is no, right? xxx
If it’s true ,is sad,but I don’t know why I can’t believe it
Reading some of these comments are disappointing. In my opinion, There’s no way they could be this detailed and made it all up.
It’s been 31 years. If any two people deserved to be released from prison it’s these two brothers. They’ve served more than enough time to pay for their crimes!! Shame on the media portraying them as heartless money hungry spoiled brats… couldn’t have been further from the truth. There has to be a way to get them released. Pedophiles that do horrific things and murder innocent babies get lesser sentences.
Absolutely
People like Casey Anthony need to trade places with them.
Exactly so sick of peds getting little to no time in prison while these boys went thru hell with living with nothing but abuse there entire lives to say they did it for money is just disgusting they had money already.. truly heartbreaking 😢
@@whitneyulmerwhat money? Their parents had money. They barely got through school.
I’m sure everybody has noticed how not one person from the justice system has taken the lead to get these two victims released from prison!! Sure, almost everybody who knows anything about this case feels strongly that Erik and Lyle have served more than enough time, but the very people who are supposed to be leaders in the justice machine have not said a word about freeing them. It’s disgusting.
Even just watching their testimonies I feel so protective of them, like when the judge pretty much yells at Erik to "speak up" I just want to jump through the screen and smack the shit out of him fr
Lmao same many people treat both of them that way
Abuse of privilege....
Disgraceful to say the least.
Have you seen the trial of Tammy moorer? It takes place in horry county South Carolina. It truly is a crime Judge Dennis and that good ole boy shite going on down there. I couldn't believe my eyes.
Its a fascinating case though. Her and her coward of a husband got 30 years on down to the minute circumstantial evidene along for the kidnapping and conspiracy to kidnap Heather Elvis from the Peachtree landing. there were rumors that Heather was pregnant by the husband and Tammy the cycle wife went nuts and they followed their digital footprint of them stalking and actually hunting this young girl out.
Right that was uncalled for .. that old bastard judge .. nasty man
Judge probably a peado
Justice for the Menendez brothers .. they both deserve justice!!
there is no justice on this world sadly, but i just want them out of jail, im praying that happens this year:)
@@jmadventures9830 do you even have a soul?!
@@jmadventures9830 tf you on about you piece of dirt
@@jmadventures9830 if you went through what they did, are you so confident that you wouldn’t feel like that’s the only way out also? Disgusting
@@forpspeakingclass4444 nah, murder is wrong fool
There were naked pictures of Eric as a young boy and that wasn't considered enough evidence of molestation???
ikrrr bruhh
ikr...the fact that there were zoomed in pictures of HIS GENITALS as a child...and also the fact that a doctor testified that he had a throat injury which could be indicator of rape....the judge is insane
This case is absolutely sickening SHAME ON THE JUDGE SHAME ON ANYONE WHO DID NOT BELIEVE THESE MEN - free the Menéndez brothers, they did humanity a favor
💯💯💯
I don’t believe them. Not one word.
@@eshjane oh are you an expert?
@@eshjaneall experts who investigated them thoroughly disagree with you. Maybe watch their testimonys if you not sure how to distinguish between people who lie or people who are genuine.
It's not uncommon for victims to blame themselves for why the abuse continues but it's NOT their fault. Children don't know that it's wrong until they get older. Especially when they are told by the abuser when they are a child that they love them. They associate love with abuse. It's so evil and so physiologically and emotionally damaging.
She fought for them like she was their mom. She truly cared about them, especially Eric. The abuse he had to endure his whole life was AWFUL.
She was the perfect attorney for this case - absolutely FIERCE during this trial ….anyone would feel safe and reassured having her in their corner, even out of court, i’m sure..
For sure!!!!
She is a freaking queen
They deserve to be in jail they are very liears and very good actors
@@mignonette7I'm in the same boat I feel like they were spoiled brats who didn't get their way and killed their parents and then came to court with fake molestation accusations paired with really good acting from years at acting school.
@@mattrose11234Roy Roselle from boy band Menudo came forward with allegations of Jose Menendez raping him when Edgardo Diaz brought him over to Jose’s house. At the time Jose Menendez was the director of RCA records. Menudo members are also alleging that Edgardo Diaz raped them.
i’ve noticed that this is the only testimony that lyle is watching erik so intently because he was nervous for him because it was erik’s first time on the stand. other testimonies lyle is looking down but this one you can tell he’s really watching him. my heart 😭
Or he’s nervous that he will be inconsistent or unconvincing with the lie
@@neoneherefrom5836 umm no.. there was no lie being told here
@@geneticgreed you do realize there was quite of a bit of lying involved with the brothers, right?
Not least of which was Lyle using God knows how many “dimes” in prison to phone a friend in unsuccessful attempts to solicit perjurious testimony favorable to his case.
@@sturnlivias yes i thought so too. Also, i think he wants his little brother to know that he can get a little comfort from a look of him or a little nod so he would be able to get through this torture till it ends.
Erik is today 51 years old, Lyle is today 53 years old.
These men have had no life, only torture.
Between 6 and 8, Jose Menendez began molesting Lyle between the ages of 6 and 8 years old.
Erik, the younger brother, was molested from 6 years old. He hadn’t even formed more than a handful of permanent memories before this age.
Jose Menendez continued to systematically molest and rape Erik until the day that Erik killed him through self-defence.
Their mother, Kitty Menendez was a Benzo addict, an alcoholic, completely co-dependent on her husband Jose, also a victim of his, who then became another perpetrator. She lacked all maternal instinct, or drowned it all out with substances and Jose’s abuse. She wouldn’t protect or believe her sons, nourish their emotional needs, nothing. All she did was enable her husband to further abuse their children, a force of terror together.
Both of the boys grew up in a home with all the money in the world, and zero love, safety, or tenderness. Their father Jose Menendez was a tyrant who verbally, emotionally, physically abused and controlled his children at every end and turn.
He would take his boys few sources of happiness and escape in the world, and use it as a source of punishment and fear to terrorise them.
I wept when I heard Erik talk about the tournaments he played, he lit up talking about tennis and travelling to the tournaments, even though his parents were there and abusing him at the same time, he found some moments of happiness and pride there.
Erik especially never had a life. Erik was 6 years old when his father began molesting and raping him. His entire understanding of sex and sexuality was horror, multiple times a week rape and abuse over 12 years which only ended because he ended his parents life in self defence.
Erik had disclosed his sexual abuse several times as a child.
The people he told didn’t believe him, or couldn’t help him because they were also children.
Now, they are in their early fifties. Still living with their trauma every moment of the day. In a prison. They will never leave until they die, out the back in a body bag, in a paupers grave.
We failed them, because they are male victims of male, incest sexual abuse from an extremely wealthy and privileged family.
You're cutting Kitty a lot of slack. She was disgusting. Wouldn't feed the boys as toddlers, didn't care when they got lost at the mall (and kept shopping when security called her), and told multiple family members she hated the boys and they'd ruined her life.
Absolutely agree. Her, just like my own mother allowed all the abuse happen. Her role as a mother was to take the kids and leave, she had money my mother didn’t (mine used this as an excuse). She should be guilty, but you won’t sentence a dead body. She failed her 2 children she carried in her own body, it is beyond my comprehension that a woman can do that, that my mother did that too. I asked my mother to leave my dad after he tried to choke me in the snow outside and only stopped because our dog attacked him and bit his face and arm seriously to protect me. I ran. Next day I have my mother an option to choose me or him. She chose him. She stayed and out me through another 7 years of daily physical and emotional abuse. I do understand these boys and they have all my support, if only I could help them in any way.
I hope they will get to be free one day, praying for them to live at least 1day in freedom and happiness.
This is just sad
@@luxevintage5445i read she touched them too while giving them baths
@@KKk-lz7ut Im so sorry to hear this. It really breaks my heart to hear you went through all tis hell. All my love to you. I hope you could built up your life after all this. A huge hug from someone who cares about you.
I don’t understand how on earth the jury could send these boys to prison after listening to all this.....? 🤷♀️
Tbf this jury didn’t. They were a Hung jury here. The second trial, where the judge limited the abuse talk and said they couldn’t use imperfect self defense is the trial that they got convicted. It was a very different trial because of Weisberg’s instructions of what was and was not allowed in.
@@sanaishere18that is so unfair
The judge was biased against male sexual abuse, he said male could not be raped because of lack of equipment, how disgusting and disrespectful was that???
@@rtjahyadi7868 😱the judge really said make raped did not exist ?! 😤😢
@@maimaim23 sorry…one of their prosecutors, Lyle's prosecutor, Pam Bozanich, argued that "men could not be raped, because they lack the necessary equipment to be raped.
No serial killer got as harsh punishment as the Menendez brothers. They were raped and abused since they were little kids. They just wanted to finally end that hell. FREE THEM, THEY ARE VICTIMS! GIVE THEM THEIR JUSTICE AND FREEDOM THEY DESERVE SM!!!
ummm the death penalty?
Ted bundy did and some others too. But these two were abused, molested, raped. They don't deserve death penalty. Ted killed so many women by hate and rage. They killed their parents because of the hell they were put through. It is completely different.
@Zoë Monet that's better than living in prison for defending yourself
@@zoemonettdid you know that the death penalty is the best thing for a serial killer or someone who is actually a bad person in prison?
It’s literally by Gods grace these boys didn’t become hateful mean bitter spirited human beings!! Bless their hearts 😢
THESE GUYS were found guilty but OJ was found not guilty??? Anyone involved in locking them up and letting him off should be ASHAMED of themselves. Lyle and Eric are so obviously victims and were treated like dog crap...even the judge is a jerk to the defense. OJ was so obviously guilty and that judge was a joke too. What a tragedy of justice in both cases. Let these guys go. They deserve some happiness in this lifetime, free of abuse and free from bars. God bless them❤
@@mandystewart6737 and Trump committed crimes against the state and is still running! Welcome to America. Land of the free.
casey anthony too
That Casey should be in prison
The judges had nothing to do with either cases.
Marcia and Leslie had terrible approaches to questioning.
Also, both cases were in the hands of two horrible juries.
No one liked female attorneys, with awful perms, in the early 90s.
OJ never killed anyone, that is the difference. RIP JUICE!!🕊️May you finally have some PEACE.
The justice system completely failed these boys.
Omg the look on his face when she talked about his auditory issues and the way his head hung down out of shame I literally AM SOBBING
timestamp?
I’m so sorry that he had to go through this testimony this way.
@@greysky5381 Leslie was too abrasive. If she wanted the jury to be on her clients’ side, this was not how to do it.
The fact that they had naked photos when they were basically little boys says it all. I can’t believe the jury thought that was normal and didn’t believe the sexual abuse. I just want to hug them.
I still cant believe the injustice that these brothers went through
💔💔💔
😢😭 Its so awful.💔
he was a child. my heart breaks for him.
How these two survived their childhood, then not believed in court and still locked up is just horrific. We as humans can treat others terribly. Let them out of jail. They will have a lot to offer society with their experiences and give the human race some valuable lessons.
I just watched the documentary on Peacock and one of them helps other sexual abuse guys in prison.
They both said that life in prison was great compared to what they were living in.
I don't know when that was said, but it was mentioned.
Amen.
Why not just move out? They were grown men. Go live your own life. That's why they got convicted. Why are you enjoying the money, home, cars of your abusers after you killed them? They partied and had a great time. They wanted the parents money.
@@bford5899They were literally 6 years old when it started. What is wrong with you?
@@catdad33 they weren’t six years old when they committed two shotgun murders upon the people that gave them life. What’s wrong with you? They had luxury vehicles provided by their parents and drove the whole coast of California shopping for murder weapons with their parents’ money. They had been away from the house, supposedly for the last four days before the murders. Why not just ride out into the sunset? Lyle was due back at Princeton, where his father got him into. Take your brother and go. They were grown men.
Poor kids they deserve justice!!
You are right! Justice has not been served in this case. My heart is so sad for Eric. José needed killin'. Kitty, too, because she knew and did nothing.
Totally agree with you! 😥
@@therealdeal3672 And I have heard that Kitty sexually abused them too but they liked that compared to what happened with their dad they would fight over who got to sleep in her bed when their dad was away on business. I dunno if that was a fake story though I don't remember where I heard it.
@@trueCrimeGuruYes wow, I had not heard that part of the story. It sadly doesn't surprise me. Both parents were horrible. I'm sure that Lyle and Eric felt very controlled by both of them. And they were afraid for their lives based on Jose's violent predilections. Justice has not been done.
@Anna Marie somehow I missed your comment, earlier. Sounds like Kitty was just as bad as Jose. Really heartbreaking.
the justice system failed the menendez brothers. to go from a prisoner in your own home by your own parents to a prisoner of the law is revolting.
Still are murders in the end of the day you people should be in prison for even wanting them free
He doesn't even understand why anyone would think it necessary to explain why he feared his parents. To him, it's as clear of a fact as "the sky is blue". He has lived in fear his whole life! They both deserve to be free!
for real!!
Reopen their case already!!
I feel so terrible for both brothers having to endure a life with all that abuse just to be prisoners again. It's not fair, they need to be released asap!
You can really tell a lot of the pain and trauma and stress was normal to him. His lawyer tried to make him explain how the father dictated his whole life which is awful but he just strugged because that was his whole life.
Especially the part about the father. It's so clear to him that he could never question his father, but to people who were never abused, they wouldn't get that
this is absolutely insane. get these men out of prison now.
i mean really!
He couldn’t even look at the picture of him at 38:07 this father was seriously just sick and the mother was just as awful yelling at them telling them she wished they were never born and they ruined her life and she hated them . Absolutely sick parents
The fact that they’re in prison makes me sick. FREE THESE MEN
It’s so heartbreaking when the juries wouldn’t wait for him to answer while he was physically struggling to get the word molestation out :/ and they wouldn’t believe him. These poor boys😭😭😭
People who claim that the lavish spending after the killings indicates guilt overlook the fact that this was the children’s normal lifestyle. They were raised in luxury, so spending money is not a reflection of their guilt. Instead, guilt should be assessed based on what led them to kill their parents. If their parents had raised them with love, no amount of wealth could drive them to such an act.
It's especially notable that male children often have strong bonds with their mothers. In this case, both children felt their parents did not deserve to live, likely due to their experiences. The prosecution’s argument that money motivated the murder oversimplifies the situation and obscures deeper issues, including potential abuse.
In India, there are many cases of honor killings, where parents harm their children to protect their reputation. If these children feared for their lives, it reflects a lifetime of knowing their father's character.
It's crucial to consider their background: they have faced mental and physical abuse and are not typical children. Their anger arises from profound pain. I hope they receive a retrial to ensure their voices and experiences are properly heard.
the rich live differently. everyone was blown away that one of them bought a rolex, while already having 5 at home. no big shock. also, in the courts, it was found that only 1 brother “lavishly” spend-i forget which one-revisiting all of this.
i think they grieved differently. even with what they did, does not mean they didn’t go through hell internally.
Can you imagine, the mother was actually jealous because her husband wanted to screw his own sons over their mother so she wanted them gone, instead of once thinking of how much they were suffering. Poor Erik and Lyle unbelievable.
OMG the mum is so cruel
30:56 he didn't want to talk about it yet he was made. It's so horrible. No one wants to relive those horrible moments of their life. The
recalling of trauma and torture is also very traumatic for a person. How court ignored this is so disgusting and shameful.
It's court bro it's really heartbreaking and it seems that the lawyers have no empathy, but you have to.
I think it's a defence strategy at times. Makes us and the jury feel extra sorry for them.
But yes the whole case is sickening. Having 2 repulsive parents like that. Horrific.
@@annabellejane6686 why would it be the defenses strategy ?
@@eliaol4231because they're entire defense was based on them being abused.
For all the people saying “why didn’t they tell someone” their dad was a very impirtant man and knew alot of people. No one was gonna believe them. Also for the people saying “why didn’t they move out they were over 18” they said multiple times that the father was physically abusive and they couldn’t even go to a friends house.
They also did tell ppl but didn't get help
You do realize you have to have money to live.
That question only comes from people who have never been sexually abused as a child.
The brothers deserve a re-trial and possibility of parole. They were sexually, mentally, and physically abused for YEARS. Starting at 6 and 8 years old. Why are they STILL in prison?! They acted in self defense!!!
56:17 If you pay attention to Eric's answer to the question asked, his reaction and facial expression, I think it's easy to understand why they killed their parents, and it will be easier to empathize. I really feel sorry for them even if they didn't do the right thing. No one deserves such an unfortunate life and childhood.
@@cindybrockman100 Sociopaths would not make up such self depricating lies. And sociopathy is a result of trauma/neglect/abuse anyways. There is absolutely no motive to lie.
@@34XOR - absolutely I will do the same as they did !
@@cindybrockman100 are you mentally stable? rewatch the interview again and focus on the body language and their voices. these boys are victims and deserved to be sent to therapy. not a life sentence.
@@cindybrockman100 Seek help. Your mindset is that of how old boomers think
what they went through is horrific, the mother was just as bad as the father and equally culpable
Death was too easy for the parents. These men have been abused and miss treated and disgraced by their parents and the so call justice system. I feel they have suffered long enough. FREE THEM
I just came upon this case in one of the bloggers, and man I felt so sad for these guys. I really wish they could get their justice. Noone could fake that naked hurt emotion Eric had while recalling the abuse.
That judge has no respect. Speak up? Doesn't he understand that Erik is in vulnerable state? He was raped for 12 years, please have compassion heartless snake
To live with so much pressure and unbelievable expectations from their monster parents, not to mention being sexually abused all the time, by your father, no less. My heart breaks for these brothers.
both, he and his brother spent their childhood being raped by their sadistic father. Then they spent their adult life in prison. It is time to release them and let them live for god's sake. I know there are fathers like that. I knew a girl, whose mother has passed away when she was a child. As she grown up with her father, he started to rape her at the age of 17 and kept doing it for years and years until she was in her mid 20's. Then she finally ran away with her boyfriend. There are some fucked up people.
You don't know that
I know. The Menendez brothers should be freed. We should do something
@@Iamanillusion1 listen I am going to hold your hand when I say this..
They had him loaded up on Xanax?! Are you KIDDDING ME?! Ryan left that out. That’s huge. These two men deserve a new trial. They need to be free.
I missed this part, when was it mentioned?
@@gracee7242 around 18 minutes in
@@bethanyrose780 wasn't he saying he is on xanax in prison?
@@Branndaddy He wasn't on it during the testimony. He said that
I wouldn't call .25mg twice a day "loaded up".
To all the people always complaining that the word “rape” was hardly used - I believe this is because it would’ve been extremely triggering for Erik, and he himself called different forms of abuse by his dad “rough sex,” “nice sex,” etc. so they went with that terminology.