Incarceration & Estate Planning: Where are the Menendez Brothers now?

Incarceration and estate planning may seem worlds apart, but these topics often intersect in ways that raise important ethical and legal questions.

The Menendez brothers’ case has been capturing national attention for decades, through its controversy and cultural fascination. Beneath the headlines is a deeper conversation about what happens when inheritance and estate planning meet tragedy. While looking into where the Menendez Brothers are now and recent developments in their case, we can better understand their motives and the fallout of their trial. 

Revisiting this story through an estate planning lens provides a fresh perspective, taking into account recent developments in their case. 

What happened to the Menendez brothers? 

In August 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez shot and killed their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. At the time of the murders, their estate had an estimated value of $4 million. 

The brothers called 911 and told authorities they had discovered their parents dead, after returning home hours after the murder had taken place. Erik and Lyle also told the authorities that they suspected the murders to be linked to their father and his work. Feeding the authorities took them off the prime suspects’ list for months, but this all changed after Erik confessed during a session with his psychologist. 

Money and Motives

When Lyle and Erik Menendez were arrested in 1990, questions rose about a financial motive. José Menendez, their father, had notable success in the music and film industries. He also had a $650,000 life insurance policy. Erik and Lyle both had trust funds in place along with the estates they were subject to inherit. The family estate was valued to be approximately $14 million, including multiple properties and other notable assets. 

In the time between the murders and their arrest, the brothers racked up an estimated $700,000 bill from purchasing luxury items. This ranged from designer clothing and watches to expensive tennis coaching, which drew national attention. This spending spree would later become a key aspect of the prosecution’s case, raising controversial questions about motive, inheritance, and the intersection of family wealth with criminal intent.

When their case went to trial, prosecutors argued that the murders were influenced by financial gain. However, the Menendez’s defense team posed a different perspective, explaining how the brothers acted out of fear and emotional trauma after enduring years of sexual and emotional abuse. The case brought attention to the complex dynamics that can exist internally with family behind closed doors, along with the crosshairs of inheritance and motive. 

Where are the Menendez Brothers Now?

In response to years of public debate and legal advocacy, a Superior Court judge recently re-sentenced Erik and Lyle to 50 years to life, now making them eligible for parole. The development of their case shows the ongoing intersection of inherited wealth, criminal justice, and family relationships.

Today, the Menendez brothers are serving their sentences at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California after being reunited in 2018. Their case has continued to be in the public eye, resurfacing in October 2024, with the release of Monsters, a Netflix docuseries that revisited the events while focusing on the allegations of the long-term abuse the brothers endured.

Did the Menendez Brothers Inherit Anything?

The answer is no—due to California’s Slayer Rule, the Menendez brothers were legally barred from receiving any portion of their inheritance. The Slayer Rule, also known as the Slayer Statute, prevents people from inheriting from someone they intentionally caused harm to. It ensures that no one can profit from criminal acts, especially in a case as severe as the Menendez brothers. 

Why it Matters: Communication to Protect the Family Legacy 

While the circumstances of this case are extreme, it sheds light on questions about wealth, intent, and protection. Having conversations about estate planning, legacy, and family communication can help protect families in the case of unpredictable matters. 

At Trust & Will, we keep things simple. You can create a fully customizable, state-specific estate plan from the comfort of your own home. Take our free quiz to see where you should get started, or compare our different estate planning and settlement  options today!

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