Netflix has released a new true-crime documentary that delves into the case of the infamous Menendez brothers, allowing viewers to hear directly from Lyle and Erik Menendez for the first time [Following the controversy sparked by Ryan Murphy's dramatized series “Monsters,” “The Menendez Brothers” came out: the story of Lyle and Eric Menendez,” which received significant backlash despite hitting #1 on Netflix However, this new documentary shifts the focus to the actual events and features newly released audio interviews in which both brothers tell their story “in their own words,” and speak directly to the events that led to their convictions

If you've seen Ryan Murphy's controversial show, or are a fan of true crime, this documentary may be the next thing you see on your streaming service Here's what you need to know about “The Menendez Brothers” and how it tries to set the record straight

In the documentary “The Menendez Brothers,” director Alejandro Hartman delves deep into the decades of material surrounding the high-profile murder of Lyle and Erik Menendez and the subsequent trial While it may not resolve all the remaining questions about the case, it offers a new angle by placing the brothers' own voices at the center

For the first time in nearly 30 years, Lyle and Eric share their account of the case through newly released audio interviews, offering a glimpse into their thinking during the trial that shocked the nation in 1996

The documentary also includes interviews with key figures such as the brothers' cousin Diane Vander Molen and prosecutor Pamela Bozanich, adding new insight into the complex family dynamics and legal battles that have kept the Menendez case in the public eye for decades The book is a valuable addition to the book

As noted above, there has been much controversy surrounding the Netflix show “Monsters” and reactions from the real brothers themselves Eric Menendez, in a statement about X released by his wife Tami, called the series a “dishonest portrayal” of their own story “rooted in horrific and blatant lies”

Netflix is now distributing a documentary that offers the brothers the opportunity to share their own stories, as media storytelling has largely been Netflix says the documentary is a phone call from the Menendez brothers recorded from prison It includes interviews and is the first time in 30 years that they have spoken publicly about the murder of their parents

The Menendez Brothers also revisits key moments from the trial, with both Erik and Lyle Menendez testifying and talking about the abuse they claim to have suffered In addition to the brothers' own reflections, the documentary includes interviews with various individuals involved in the case, including defense attorneys, jurors, expert witnesses, and journalists who closely followed the trial in the early 1990s

If you are new to the case and need some backstory before diving into the Netflix documentary, here is a timeline of what happened

The Menendez brothers case refers to the 1989 shooting death of Jose and Kitty Menendez, a wealthy couple from Beverly Hills, California, by their two sons, Lyle and Eric Menendez Initially, the brothers were not considered suspects, but they came under scrutiny because of their extravagant behavior and inconsistent stories

In 1990, they were arrested and charged with murder; their trial, which began in 1993, attracted national attention because of its sensational nature The defense argued that it was self-defense after the brothers had endured years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse from their parents, while the prosecution portrayed them as motivated by greed

In 1996, both brothers were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole The case is one of the most infamous in US crime history

If you are a fan of true crime, Netflix's The Menendez Brothers is worth adding to your watch list This documentary is a rare opportunity to hear directly from Lyle and Eric Menendez in their own words, giving a unique perspective on a case that has fascinated the public for decades

Unlike the dramatized story, this documentary delves into the actual details of the trial and features interviews with those closest to the case, providing a more nuanced understanding of the unfolding events Whether you are familiar with the Menendez case or new to it, this documentary offers fresh insight into one of the most notorious trials of the late 20th century

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