The Menendez brothers have regained attention recently, first with Ryan Murphy’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and now with the release of their own documentary, The Menendez Brothers, on Netflix on October 7, 2024. The brothers were sentenced to life without parole after the 1989 murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez. Their case was highly publicized throughout the ’90s, following a mistrial in 1993 and their conviction in 1996.
Erik Menendez’s attorney, Leslie Abramson, played a key role in their defense. Abramson argued that the murders were acts of self-defense, as Lyle and Erik claimed they had been abused throughout their childhood by both parents. “I’ve represented people charged with murder for 27 years, and these guys just don’t measure up to anybody else I’ve ever represented,” Abramson told The Washington Post in 1996. “These are not murderers. These are troubled kids in a very difficult and grotesque home environment, and they cracked.” To learn more about the attorney, keep on reading.
Who is Leslie Abramson?
Born in Queens, New York, in 1943, Leslie Abramson became one of the most prominent defense attorneys of the 1990s. She represented Erik Menendez during his trial, working tirelessly to prove that the brothers were victims of abuse from their parents.
Where is Leslie Abramson now?
According to Radio Times, Abramson has since withdrawn from the public eye. Her legal license is currently listed as inactive by the State Bar of California.
Who played Leslie Abramson in Monsters?
In Ryan Murphy’s Monsters, Abramson is portrayed by actress Ari Graynor.
Where are Lyle and Erik Menendez today?
Lyle and Erik Menendez are currently incarcerated at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in California. Initially housed in separate prisons, they were reunited in 2018. Both brothers continue to serve life sentences without the possibility of parole. Recently, new evidence of alleged sexual abuse by their father has been found. According to Variety, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón stated, “We have been given evidence. We have been given a photocopy of a letter that allegedly was sent by one of the brothers to another family member talking about him being the victim of molestation.” He further added, “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 Menendez brothers are scheduled for a hearing on November 29, 2024, per the outlet.
If you or anyone you know has been sexually abused, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, judgment-free support as well as local resources to assist in healing, recovering and more.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).