Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix dramatizes the notorious murder case, renewing the debate over whether the Menendez brothers were long-time victims of abuse or motivated by greed to inherit their father Jose Menendez’s considerable fortune.
Building on the first chapter of Ryan Murphy’s true crime anthology series centered on serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, Monster Season 2 focuses on the real-life case involving brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez, who murdered their parents, Jose and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, in 1989.
The circumstances surrounding the tragic event continue to elicit mixed opinions. Currently serving life sentences, the Menendez brothers are actively seeking to reopen their case amidst new claims of alleged abuse.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story transports viewers back to the events as they unfolded, including the intrigue surrounding Jose Menendez’s wealth even before the brothers’ arrest. Caution: Some viewers may find this material distressing.
Jose Menendez’s Net Worth at the Time of Death
Jose Menendez’s net worth was estimated at between $14 million and $15 million before he was murdered by his sons Lyle and Erik in 1989.
Jose accumulated much of his fortune in the entertainment industry.
The Menendez family’s wealth largely stemmed from Jose’s successful career in the entertainment business. His journey is often celebrated as the American dream, having emigrated to the United States from Cuba as a child following the Cuban Revolution.
As a teenager, Jose learned English and excelled academically, eventually earning an accounting degree from Queens College.
Through hard work and dedication, he made a name for himself and became executive vice president at Hertz, a subsidiary of RCA, before transitioning to the company’s records division, where he successfully signed renowned bands like Duran Duran, The Eurythmics, and Menudo in the 1980s.
Jose built a considerable portion of his fortune through these ventures and went on to purchase the $4 million Beverly Hills mansion where he and Kitty were later murdered.
After their deaths, the Menendez estate included assets such as the mansion, a Calabasas property under renovation, Jose’s shares in LIVE Entertainment (currently known as Artisan Entertainment), and various personal properties and vehicles.
What Happened to the Menendez Estate?
The Menendez fortune was not as substantial as it seemed. Following the deduction of loans, legal fees, and taxes, little was left of the $14 million estate.
The value of the Menendez mansion diminished after accounting for loans and taxes.
According to the LA Times, after two trials that ended with a hung jury, even if Erik and Lyle were not convicted, they were unlikely to inherit anything.
The publication emphasized that this situation marked a “remarkable turn of events for a case where prosecutors argued the brothers killed out of spite and financial desire.”
Even the estimated value of their real estate holdings was inflated. Reports indicated that after loans against the couple’s Calabasas and Beverly Hills properties were subtracted, their worth plummeted to approximately $5.7 million.
The brothers shared a personal life insurance policy worth $600,000; however, the $5 million policy from LIVE Entertainment was deemed invalid due to a technicality.
Why Lyle and Erik Menendez Inherited Nothing
Given their conviction for first-degree murder in 1996 and subsequent life sentences without parole, it’s no surprise that the Menendez brothers’ estimated net worth is virtually zero.
Erik and Lyle continue to advocate for their case from prison.
Moreover, reports from that period suggested that even without convictions, the family’s estimated wealth was exaggerated. After accounting for loans and taxes, crime writer Rachel Pergament noted that the estate might yield only around $2 million for each brother. Combined with the legal fees and spending spree after their parents’ demise, there would be little remaining.
Nevertheless, Lyle and Erik have consistently asserted that financial gain was never their motive. Their legal team is currently working to overturn their convictions in favor of a manslaughter charge.
Erik and Lyle maintain they faced a lifetime of sexual, physical, and psychological abuse at the hands of their strict parents.
Recent evidence supporting their claims has emerged, including an affidavit from Roy Rossello, a former member of Menudo, alleging that Jose sexually assaulted him in the 1980s.
Whether this new evidence will influence their appeal remains to be seen, but notable cases like this are rarely straightforward.
To further explore the case, you can watch Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, now streaming on Netflix. For those familiar with the case or who don’t mind spoilers, check out our breakdown of the series finale and the graphic scene that has sparked discussion.
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