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On a quiet Sunday night of August 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez shot and killed their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion. They were sentenced to life in prison without parole.    

This case has impacted generations for 35 years. Recently, people have taken one of two sides of this story: two spoiled brothers killed their parents for the family fortune, or that these two abused sons defended themselves against their cruel parents.    

Various generations have strong opinions on this case. Not only has society changed in the past 35 years, but the point of views on men’s mental health, and overall mental health, is prioritized differently compared to back in 1989.     

Melia Johnson was a teenage girl and had fresh eyes when the murders and trials occurred. Raised during this time, Johnson identifies her generation as Gen X and shared her experiences of how mental health was viewed back in the 80’s and 90’s.    

“From what I know as of now, from the way it was sold to me, they murdered their parents. So, I say they stay in jail,” Johnson said when asked her opinion on the case.   

Although she gave her previous thoughts about the case, Johnson went on to describe where she stands currently. 

“However, I’ve heard just recently on the news that there is a big push. Maybe they were being assaulted by the father. If that’s the case, then I would say they’ve done time served. They could probably be contributing to society if they were released,” Johnson said.   

Back in 1993, during the first trial of the Menendez brothers murder case, the sexual assault allegations were the defendant’s cause of action during the entire case. The first trial was a mistrial due to the split jury. During the second trial, the boys were not able to use their sexual assault allegations for evidence at all.  

“[In the] 80’s and 90’s, early 2000’s, men were supposed to be strong and tough. And if they did have any mental health issues, it really wasn’t talked about or spoken of. Mental health is more acknowledged today,” Johnson said.  

Johnson grew up like many people did, without modern technology at her fingertips 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Phones and similar devices expose different ideas and views at all hours of the day, thanks to the internet and social media.     

“Through the internet and so forth, [mental heath perception has] changed,” Johnson said. “I think it’s socially acceptable to have mental health concerns.”     

Men’s mental health was not precedence before the 21st Century. The brothers claimed they were sexually assaulted, and people also did not believe a father could do such a thing to his sons. Some parents could not think a parent would commit such a terrible act. Another reason why people did not believe the brothers during the trial had to do with traditional relationships. People grew up with the mindset that only men and women could romantically be together. This homophobic worldview  led to a lack of acceptance toward the brothers’ story. 

Tik Tok has been a huge influence on this case toward Gen Z, but some millennials and Gen X lived through their trial and saw it during their lifetime. These two generations are almost on different sides of this case, due to what era they each were raised in. Their society’s perception and acceptance of men’s mental health is a massive factor.     

Grand View University student Brandon Hunt has studied crime scene investigation and identified himself as a part of the Gen Z category.     

“I don’t believe in second chances when it comes to murder. If a person intentionally kills someone for any reason outside of self-defense, I think they deserve to go to prison. The severity can differ depending on the situation at hand, I do believe that not all murderers deserve life in prison like the Menendez Brothers,” Hunt said.   

Most people would agree murder is wrong. When it comes to protecting one’s wellbeing, some would defend themselves and others would flee in hopes nothing happens again. Hunt shared about his experience as a male with human emotions in the 21st century.  

“Yes, everyone has their own mental needs and if they believe they need treatment or help, then why not give that person the same attention they would give anyone else? We’re all human,” Hunt said.    

This 35-year-old multi-generation case has changed drastically since April of 2023. Jose Menendez, the father of Erik and Lyle, was accused of not only sexually assaulting his sons, but abusing a teenage boy years before the murders. Jose Menendez was an entertainment executive that signed a boy band group called Menudo. Roy Rossello, a member of this boy band, claimed back in April of 2023 that Jose Menendez raped him.   

On October 24th, 2024, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said he had reviewed the case from the 80’s. From there, Gascón gave a recommendation that would make the brothers eligible for immediate parole.      

From evidence to various generations of eyes examining a case for the first time, it all comes down to one judge’s opinion. Whether it takes days or decades to find a solution, justice from this murder case may never truly be served.