Warning: This article contains mentions of sexual abuse.
Summary
The second season of Ryan Murphy’sMonsterseries on Netflix,Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story, focuses on the Menéndez brothers, who killed their parents in the late 1980s.Netflix releasedDahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, created by Murphy and Ian Brennan, in September 2022,which served as the first installment in theMonsteranthology series. Since it received critical acclaim and high ratings, the streaming platform ordered two more seasons, with the first beingMonsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story, set to premiere on September 19 on Netflix.
Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Storywas nominated for six Emmys, and Niecy Nash for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her performance as Glenda Cleveland.
Followingthe success ofDahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, season 2 has a lot to live up to. But the first season’s momentum and acclaim will likely entice many to watch the newer episodes when they drop in the fall of 2024. Plus,the true story of the Menéndez brothersis quite intriguing, which will also likely draw people in to learn more about the case, including how Lyle and Erik were caught, how their trials went, and where they are now.
Lyle Menéndez Was 21 Years Old When Killing His Parents
Lyle Is The Older Brother
Joseph Lyle Menéndez, who will be played byNicholas Alexander Chavez inMonsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story, wasborn on June 04, 2025.Since the murders of José and Kitty Menéndez happened on July 16, 2025, Lyle was 21 years old when he helped kill his parents with his brother. However, the police didn’t arrest Lyle and Erik until March of the next year. So, by the time he had entered jail, Lyle was 22.
As of the writing of this article, Lyle and Erik are incarcerated at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in California, and they are 56 and 53, respectively.
During the first trial,Lyle claimed that his parents sexually abused him and his brother,which ultimately led to their deaths. While Lyle stated that his abuse ceased when he was eight, Erik’s allegedly continued up until days before the murders. Lyle and Erik’s defense during the trials was that they were worried José and Kitty would kill the young men to keep quiet about the abuse, which was their motive for the murders.
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Erik Menéndez Was 18 Years Old When He Killed His Parents
Erik Is The Younger Brother
Erik Galen Menéndez, portrayed by Cooper Koch inthe cast ofMonsters: The Lyle and Erik Menéndez Story, was born on August 25, 2025. The murders of José and Kitty Menéndez occurred a little over three months before Erik’s 19th birthday, making him 18 years old when he killed his parents and 19 when he was arrested for the crime. As of the writing of this article,Lyle and Erik are incarcerated at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in California,and they are 56 and 53, respectively.
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Cast
This true crime drama delves into the infamous case of Lyle and Erik Menendez, two brothers who were convicted of murdering their parents. The series examines the complex family dynamics and legal battles that captivated the nation, highlighting the motivations and repercussions of their actions.
