Image Credit: MILES CRIST/NETFLIX
The life and trials of Lyle and Erik Menéndez have once again captured public attention alongside the release of Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. The brothers attracted notoriety in August 1989 when they shot their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menéndez. Following the tragic event, Lyle and Erik spent a significant portion of their family’s wealth, leading prosecutors to claim the brothers were driven by a desire for inheritance. However, the Menéndez siblings offered a starkly different narrative regarding their motivations. What was the source of José Menéndez’s wealth that afforded the family such a lavish lifestyle?
José Menéndez’s career began after he graduated from Queens College in New York City, where he initially worked as an accountant. He later found employment with Hertz, the car rental giant, serving as the manager of commercial leasing. After Hertz was acquired by RCA, José transitioned to working in the entertainment arena, negotiating record deals with prominent artists in Hollywood. Eventually, he left RCA to join Carolco Pictures, an independent film studio, where he played a key role in turning the financially struggling International Video Entertainment into a profitable entity. During his tenure at Carolco, José negotiated agreements with major stars like Sylvester Stallone for the Rambo franchise and undertook significant cost-cutting measures, including laying off hundreds of employees.
During the highly publicized trials, Lyle and Erik’s defense contended that their actions were a desperate act of self-defense stemming from years of alleged sexual, emotional, and physical abuse at the hands of their parents.
When the tragic event unfolded in 1989, Lyle was just 21 years old, while Erik was 18. As of September 2024, Lyle will be 56, and Erik will be 53.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse, please reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) for confidential and compassionate support along with local resources aimed at healing and recovery.