The Menendez brothers’ story is one of the most famous and shocking true crime cases in American history. In 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez brutally murdered their wealthy parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion. What followed was a trial that captivated the nation, with themes of family wealth, betrayal, and alleged abuse.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into the Menendez brothers’ story, here are some of the best books and movies that explore this tragic case. Whether you prefer reading or watching, these recommendations will give you an inside look at one of the most complex and talked-about crimes in the true crime world.
1. The Menendez Murders, Updated Edition by Robert Rand
Robert Rand is a journalist who has been covering the Menendez case since it first hit the headlines in 1989. His book, The Menendez Murders, gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at the trial, the family, and the complicated lives of Lyle and Erik. Rand brings decades of experience to this book, making it one of the most detailed and well-researched accounts available.
Rand also updates the book with new information about the brothers’ lives in prison, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the full story of the Menendez brothers.
2. Bad Blood: The Shocking True Story Behind the Menendez Killings by Don Davis
Don Davis’s Bad Blood is another great book for readers who want to understand the emotional and psychological turmoil behind the Menendez brothers’ crime. Davis digs deep into the dysfunction of the Menendez family, examining the role that abuse, neglect, and manipulation may have played in the killings.
This book focuses heavily on the brothers’ defense, which claimed that years of sexual and emotional abuse drove them to murder. It’s a gripping read that shows just how complicated and tragic this case is.
3. The Private Diary of Lyle Menendez: In His Own Words Audiobook by Lyle Menendez
If you’re looking for a more personal perspective on the case, The Private Diary of Lyle Menendez is an audiobook where Lyle speaks for himself. In his own words, he describes his life before and after the murders, providing unique insights into his thoughts, emotions, and motivations.
This audiobook is especially interesting for true crime fans who want to hear directly from one of the men behind this infamous crime. Lyle’s voice brings the story to life in a way that’s both chilling and thought-provoking.
4. Blood Brothers: The Inside Story of the Menendez Murders by Ron Soble and John Johnson
Blood Brothers is another in-depth look at the Menendez case. Written by two journalists, Ron Soble and John Johnson, the book dives into the trial and explores the intense media attention that surrounded the case. It also looks at the dynamics within the Menendez family, providing a balanced view of both the prosecution and the defense.
If you’re curious about how the media shaped the public’s perception of the brothers, this book is a fascinating read. It also paints a detailed picture of the courtroom drama that unfolded during the trial.
5. They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life With Erik Menendez by Tammi Menendez
They Said We’d Never Make It tells the story of Tammi Menendez, who married Erik Menendez while he was in prison. This book offers a completely different perspective on the case—one that’s about love, loyalty, and living with the consequences of a horrific crime.
Tammi shares her personal experiences, revealing how she fell in love with Erik through letters and phone calls, and what it’s like to be married to a man convicted of murder. It’s a unique true crime story that touches on the more human side of the Menendez brothers’ lives after the trial.
Top Movies and TV Shows About the Menendez Brothers
1. Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders (2017)
This eight-episode mini-series aired in 2017 and is one of the most detailed TV depictions of the Menendez case. Law & Order True Crime takes viewers through the entire trial, offering insight into the brothers’ defense, which focused heavily on claims of sexual and emotional abuse by their father.
The series stars Edie Falco as defense attorney Leslie Abramson and gives a dramatic, Hollywood-style look at the events that shocked the nation. If you prefer watching TV shows over reading books, this is a must-watch for Menendez brothers fans.
2. Menendez: Blood Brothers (2017)
This made-for-TV movie aired on Lifetime in 2017, and while it’s a bit more sensationalized, it’s still worth watching. Menendez: Blood Brothers explores the darker aspects of the Menendez family, with a focus on the abuse that the brothers claim they suffered at the hands of their parents.
The movie does a good job of dramatizing the events leading up to the murders and the trial. While it may not be as accurate as some documentaries, it offers a gripping narrative and strong performances that make it worth a watch.
Where Are the Menendez Brothers Now?
It’s been more than 30 years since Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted of murdering their parents, but their story still captivates the public. After years of being in separate prisons, the brothers were finally reunited in 2018 and now serve their sentences at the same facility in San Diego.
According to journalist Robert Rand, who has followed their case for decades, both brothers have tried to make the best of their lives behind bars. Erik leads multiple self-help groups and counsels other inmates who have suffered sexual abuse, while Lyle is also involved in similar activities. Today, Lyle is 56, and Erik is 53.
Both brothers got married while in prison. Erik married Tammi Saccoman in 1999, and she later wrote the book They Said We’d Never Make It. Lyle married twice: first to Anna Eriksson, who divorced him, and later to Rebecca Sneed, a journalist-turned-attorney. Despite being separated by prison walls, both brothers have managed to maintain relationships with their spouses.
The Menendez Brothers in Pop Culture
Even 35 years after the murders, the Menendez brothers’ case remains a cultural phenomenon. It has been the subject of multiple documentaries, movies, and TV shows, and has even been spoofed over the years.
Most recently, Netflix is working on a new series titled Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which is the second installment of the popular series that previously featured Jeffrey Dahmer. The nine-episode season will take a fresh look at the case, introducing the story to a new generation of true crime enthusiasts.
The Menendez brothers’ case is one of the most complex and talked-about true crime stories in American history. Whether you prefer reading or watching, there are plenty of books and movies available that offer a deeper look into the tragic events that took place in 1989.
From in-depth accounts written by journalists like Robert Rand to personal stories like Tammi Menendez’s memoir, these books and movies help us understand the complicated and often tragic circumstances that led to the murders. Whether you’re new to the case or a long-time true crime fan, there’s always more to discover about the Menendez brothers.
