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If you’ve been following true crime stories over the years, chances are you’ve heard of the Menendez brothers. From the shocking 1989 murders of their wealthy parents to their dramatic trials and subsequent convictions, Lyle and Erik Menendez are back in the spotlight—this time with renewed interest thanks to a documentary and a Netflix series. You can also bet on their fate.
Earlier this year, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon pledged to take another look at the case in light of some new evidence. The TV series got the Menendez case back into the news, but Gascon was also heading into a crucial re-election bid. Unfortunately for the sitting DA, he was ultimately defeated by Nathan Hochman in November’s election. Hochman was sworn into office earlier this month.
With sportsbooks like BetUS offering prop bets on everything from a potential retrial to the brothers’ release, it’s clear people are still fascinated by their story. Whether you’re just here for the odds or genuinely curious about their case, we’ve got you covered with predictions, insights, and a look at where the Menendez brothers stand today.
Menendez Brothers Odds
Check out the latest Menendez Brothers odds and prop bets , courtesy of the top online betting sites:
Prop | Favorite | Prediction |
---|---|---|
Will the Menendez Brothers be released? | No (-2000) | Not likely |
Will the Menendez Brothers get a retrial? | No (-500) | Possible, but unlikely |
Will a major studio make a movie about them? | Yes (-150) | Likely |
While the odds are heavily stacked against a retrial or release, renewed public attention from recent documentaries could influence legal efforts or public opinion. However, sportsbooks aren’t showing much confidence in any major changes for the brothers’ future.
Who Are The Menendez Brothers?
Lyle and Erik Menendez became household names in 1989 after the brutal murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion. Initially, the brothers claimed innocence but later admitted to the killings, arguing they acted out of self-defense after years of alleged emotional and sexual abuse.
The case captivated the nation in the early 1990s with its shocking revelations and courtroom drama. Some saw the brothers as victims, while others viewed them as calculating killers driven by greed for their parents’ fortune.
Are the Menendez Brothers Still in Jail?
Yes, Lyle and Erik Menendez are still in prison. In 1996, after two highly publicized trials, both brothers were found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Currently, they are serving their sentences in California’s RJ Donovan Correctional Facility. After years of separation, they were reunited at the same prison in 2018, a rare move by the California Department of Corrections.
Menendez Brothers Documentary
The Menendez brothers’ case has experienced a resurgence in the public interest, largely thanks to recent documentaries, most notably the Netflix series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”. This documentary delves into the brothers’ complex history, their claims of abuse, and the legal proceedings that ultimately led to their life sentences.
The Netflix series has reignited debates over whether the brothers were victims of extreme abuse or cold-blooded killers. Younger audiences, many of whom are learning about the case for the first time, have taken to social media platforms like TikTok to express their sympathy for Lyle and Erik. This viral conversation has sparked petitions for a retrial, with advocates arguing the courts failed to consider the alleged abuse during their trials.
The renewed attention has made the Menendez brothers a hot topic once again, which likely explains why sportsbooks are now offering odds on their future.
Menendez Brothers Prop Bets
Let’s take a closer look at the prop bets courtesy of BetUS:
Will the Menendez Brothers Be Released?
- Favorite: No (-2000)
- Prediction: Not Likely.
Despite public sympathy and petitions for a retrial, the legal system is notoriously slow to reverse verdicts in high-profile cases. The odds reflect this reality.
Gascon recommended resentencing the brothers during his final days in office. He even vouched for potentially having California Governor Gavin Newsom grant them clemency. However, Hochman made no such promises during his campaign. He pledged to be significantly tougher on crime than the much-maligned Gascon was during his time in office. Getting a pair of convicted murderers released almost immediately after taking offense would seemingly fly in the face of Hochman’s entire campaign pitch.
A hearing scheduled for January 30th could determine the brothers’ fate. The brothers are unlikely to be freed immediately depending in what happens in that hearing, but it could pave the way for them to leave prison at some point in 2025.
Still, betting against their release is the better option. Had Gascon won his election, I might feel differently about this Menendez prop bet.
Best Bet: No (-2000)
Will the Menendez Brothers Get a Retrial?
- Favorite: No (-500)
- Prediction: Possible, but unlikely.
While the Netflix documentary and social media buzz have sparked calls for a retrial, the legal hurdles are significant. A new trial would require compelling new evidence or legal errors in the original proceedings, which is a tough case to make.
The “new” evidence that could ultimately free the brothers is a letter sent by one of the brothers to a cousin years before the murders occurred. One of the brothers described being molested by Jose Menendez in the letter, which aligns with the claims the brothers made in their own defense during their trials.
This letter could be seen as proof that the brothers’ sexual abuse claims were true despite the fact that they were widely dismissed during the original trials. The court omitted much of the alleged evidence during the first trial, but this new letter could lead to retrial. The Menendez brothers’ lawyers say the jury could’ve viewed the killings as something less than murder had the abuse allegations been made available back then.
I still think there are just too many roadblocks in place for this to actually come to fruition.
Best Bet: No (-500)
Will a Major Studio Make a Movie About Them?
- Favorite: Yes (-150)
- Prediction: Likely.
Given the public’s enduring fascination with the Menendez Brothers and the success of other true crime adaptations, a major studio-backed movie seems like a safe bet.
It’ll likely be a few years down the road considering Netflix’ series came out earlier this year, but there’s always going to be some appetite in the public for more Menendez content.
Best Bet: Yes (-150)
When Do the Menendez Brothers Get Out?
Although there are no current odds on this question, it’s worth discussing. The Menendez brothers are serving life sentences without the possibility of parole, meaning their release under the current terms is virtually impossible.
However, public interest in their case and calls for a retrial could provide a glimmer of hope. Advocates argue that new evidence or a fresh look at their claims of abuse could pave the way for resentencing or even exoneration. In recent years, similar cases have been reopened due to public outcry and legal reforms.
That said, the odds are still slim. While the brothers’ story remains compelling, the legal system moves cautiously—especially for cases as high-profile as this one.
The Menendez case continues to captivate and divide public opinion decades after the murders. With sportsbooks offering odds on their release, retrial, and even a movie adaptation, it’s clear that fascination with their story is far from over.
While the chances of their release remain incredibly slim, documentaries and viral movements have breathed new life into their case. Whether you’re placing bets, following their story, or just learning about the case, the Menendez Brothers are a reminder of how true crime can grab the imagination of the American public.