Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story. (L to R) Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez, Nicholas Chavez … [+]
MILES CRIST/NETFLIX
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story may not be over yet. The show’s creator Ryan Murphy teased the possibility of extending the controversial nine-episode series amid the news that the brothers will get a new court hearing in late November.
On Oct. 3, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced in a press conference that he believes the brothers’ case should be re-examined following the discovery of new evidence and questions regarding the testimony permitted during their second trial.
The new evidence includes a letter written by Erik to his cousin, Andy Cano, in December 1988—about eight months before the crime—where Erik talks about being a “victim of molestation,” Gascón said at the press conference. “We’ve also got evidence that was provided by the defense, by his lawyers, that one of the members of the Menudo band alleged that he was molested by the father.”
The new hearing, set for Nov. 29, could lead to a retrial or resentencing for Erik and Lyle. In May 2023, the brothers’ lawyer, Cliff Gardner, filed a habeas petition on their behalf, presenting the letter and Rossello’s affidavit as new evidence.
The brothers are currently serving life sentences for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. During their two trials in the 1990s, the defense argued that they acted in self-defense after enduring years of alleged sexual, physical, and emotional abuse.
Will There Be More Episodes Of Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story On Netflix?
Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story. (L to R) Nicholas Chavez as Lyle Menendez, Cooper Koch … [+]
MILES CRIST/NETFLIX
Murphy said the decision to continue the narrative series lies with the stars Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch, who played Lyle and Erik, respectively, in Monsters.
“I think what I would be interested in doing, if Nicholas [Alexander Chavez] and Cooper [Koch] would agree to do it, is maybe one or two episodes that continue the story,” Murphy told Variety on Oct. 3
Murphy pointed out the irony that Erik, who criticized him and called the series a “dishonest portrayal,” may now benefit from the series, as the public discourse around Monsters could help the brothers secure their release. The creator even gave Kim Kardashian an early look at the series a month before its Netflix release, and she recently wrote an op-ed for NBC News advocating for their release.
“We gave them their moment in the court of public opinion. Basically, we did give them a platform,” Murphy added. “I think they can be out of prison by Christmas. I really believe that.”
Following Monsters, Netflix is set to premiere a new documentary, The Menendez Brothers, on October 7. For the first time in decades, Erik and Lyle Menendez will speak about the case in their own words. The documentary promises “new insight and fresh perspective” thanks to audio interviews with the brothers, trial lawyers, journalists who covered the story, family members, and others involved.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is streaming on Netflix. Watch the official trailer below.
