A Deep Dive Into Menendez Brothers Net Worth in 2024

Menendez Brothers, Joseph Lyle and Erik Galen, are infamous American convicted murderers who killed their parents in 1989. They were convicted in 1996 and are currently serving life sentences without parole. As of 2024, the Menendez Brothers’ net worth is nearly zero, losing the potential inheritance of their parents’ fortune, estimated at $14.5 million.

Early Life and Rise to Fame

Menendez Brothers Erik and Lyle were born in New York City. Lyle was born in January 1968, and Erik arrived in November 1970. Their dad, Jose Menendez, was a successful businessman. Jose was originally from Cuba and moved to Pennsylvania, U. S., as a teenager.

Jose enrolled at Southern Illinois University and received a swimming scholarship. He met his future wife, Mary, in a philosophy class. The pair eventually married in July 1963 and moved to New York City by the end of summer. Jose eventually earned an economics and accounting degree from Queens College.

Lyle, the older son of Jose and Mary, grew up outside of Princeton. On the other hand, Erick, Jose’s younger son, grew up emulating Lyle. Erik was shy and quiet. According to the Menendez Brothers, their father molested and put pressure on them to secure excellent results in school and athletics.

Lyle was eight when he told his cousin, Vander Molen, then 17, that his dad was sexually abusing him. Vander immediately told Mary, but she didn’t believe them. Lyle shared that his mom was a socialite-type person and was an alcoholic, having suicidal tendencies.

Menendez Brothers grew up under the strict grip of their dad after they shifted to Southern California in 1986. However, Lyle moved to New Jersey a year later to study at Princeton University. Unfortunately, he was suspended for plagiarism.

On the other hand, Erik was nabbed twice for burglary in 1988. He had to attend court-ordered therapy to escape prison time. Erik discovered interest in tennis and was ranked 7 in Southern California rankings. Jose was putting immense pressure on him, which was also confirmed by their former swim team coach in 1990.

How did the Menendez Brothers become famous?

Menendez Brothers, Lyle, and Erik, gained notoriety after brutally murdering their parents in 1989. They shot Jose and Mary Kitty in their Beverly Hills mansion on August 20, 1989. Jose was reportedly shot six times with a shotgun. Similarly, Kitty had ten gunshot wounds.

Nearly 2 hours later, Lyle called the police to report the incident. The police initially believed the Menendez pair was killed by their business rivals. The investigators also suspected a porn executive who had problems with Jose.

Over the next few months, the police started to suspect Lyle and Erik, as they were spending a lot of money. The two brothers were buying a Rolex watch and a Porsche sports car. They even paid a whopping $300 thousand down for a failed restaurant. In six months, they had wasted a total of $700,000.

The police eventually made a trap on Erik, making his friend wear a wire while they planned for lunch. However, when his friend asked Erik if he had killed his parents, he didn’t accept. Later, Erik visited his therapist, L. Jerome Oziel, and confessed to the killings. When Lyle learned about that, he threatened to kill Oziel if he disclosed the information.

Oziel could not hold the truth longer and told his girlfriend. The authorities ultimately knew the real killers after Oziel’s girlfriend relayed the information. Police eventually caught Lyle and Erick in March 1990. In late 1992, the Menendez brothers were indicted on first-degree murder charges.

Menendez Brothers Trial and Conviction

Lyle and Erick’s trial became a national sensation after being broadcast on Court TV. Later, their case was shown on a new cable TC channel and then on TruTV. Different juries tried the Menendez brothers in July 1993. However, they claimed the killing was self-defense, citing years of sexual and psychological abuse by their father.

Menendez brothers even claimed that their father would have killed them if they had not killed him and their mom. Lyle further testified that he was 7 when his father raped him. His defense attorney also presented some pictures Jose had taken of Lyle’s genitals.

On the contrary, prosecutors countered their argument, saying the brothers were looking for their family fortune. The prosecutors also revealed before they killed their father, Jose had discussed plans to remove their sons out of his will, citing a solid motive for the murder.

Menendez brothers were found guilty of first-degree murder, and both were sentenced to lifetime imprisonment without parole. TV shows, documentaries, and films have revisited their story several times.

Lyle and Erick have resurfaced in public disclosure after Netflix premiered a new series, Monsters, on September 19, 2024. The series portrays the infamous brothers navigating their privileged upbringing and the trauma they suffered from their father.

What is Menendez Brothers Net Worth in 2024?

As of 2024, Lyle and Erik’s net worth is nearly zero. According to Town and Country Magazine, they were supposed to receive a substantial fortune worth approximately $14.5 million from their parents. Unfortunately, their conviction of murder stripped them of enormous wealth and any inheritance rights.

Menendez brothers spent lavishly following the murder of their parents in 1989. They exhausted around $10.8 million in six months, making extravagant purchases. The two brothers had purchased luxury items, including a Porsche sports car and a Rolex watch.

Lyle and Erik should have significantly fewer funds remaining in their account as they faced significant legal costs during their trials. They once had access to a substantial fortune but lost colossal wealth completely after murdering their parents. Menendez brothers were left with no financial resources.