The Menendez brothers are once again making headlines thanks to two new titles on Netflix, sparking renewed interest from thousands of advocates who have signed petitions for their release.
If you’ve visited your Netflix homepage recently, you might have noticed Ryan Murphy’s latest series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, prominently featured. For true crime enthusiasts, another documentary on the same subject is also on the horizon.
These new releases have reignited support for a campaign focused on the brothers, who are currently appealing their case from prison, alongside a petition calling for their freedom. The petition boasts over 300,000 signatures and is anchored in one critical assertion.
The petitioners argue that crucial evidence was omitted during the second trial for the 1996 murders of their parents, a situation reportedly linked to ongoing sexual abuse, which ultimately led to a deadlocked jury.
In an official statement, creator Micailla Beachman expressed: “The original trial included information, evidence, and testimonies that contributed to a mistrial, which I firmly believe reflects the truth.
“The second trial disregarded that essential defense evidence in ignorance of child sexual abuse statistics, rendering all provided information ineffective in the final prosecution.”
Beachman further stated, “My perspective on this entire case—including the significance and relevance of the bill passed in California—indicates that 2020 should have been the year Erik & Lyle Menendez received a fair retrial and mercy.”
“Their time in prison has proven to be productive, educational, and motivational.”
One supporter commented on the petition, “Child sexual abuse is a heinous, inexcusable crime. I believe the Menendez brothers deserve a chance to present their story.”
Since the release of Murphy’s new series, Eric Menendez has criticized the “horrible and blatant lies” portrayed on screen. In response, Murphy stated, “It’s interesting that he’s made a comment without having viewed the show. If your life is being dramatized, it’s incredibly challenging to watch it unfold on screen.”
Legal analysts have stated that the case exists in a “grey area” that complicates issues of guilt and innocence.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is currently streaming on Netflix, with another documentary about the case set to premiere on October 7. In the meantime, delve deeper into the story with our guides on the Menendez brothers and the whereabouts of Dr. Jerome Oziel.
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