How were Lyle and Erik Menendez caught? Details explored ahead of Monsters' release on Netflix 

The case of brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted of murdering their parents, José and Kitty Menendez in 1989, created shockwaves throughout the country. At the time, this incident stood out as the most infamous family crime in the United States.

Now after over three decades, this case is being documented in the Netflix series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. The series premieres on September 19. It is created by Ian Brennan and Ryan Murphy. Before you watch the show, here is a look at how Lyle and Erik Menendez were brought to justice.

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Howwere Lyle and Erik Menendez exposed?

On August 20, 1989, brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez fatally shot their parents in their family's mansion in Beverly Hills. José Menendez, a successful entertainment executive, and his wife Kitty were gunned down in the living room.

The brothers first claimed to have discovered the bodies after returning home from a movie. They reportedly staged the crime scene in such a way that it would look like their parents were killed by the mafia. The brothers showed scant remorse over the killings.

Within months of the killings, they spent their way through thousands of dollars in purchases of items such as cars, watches, and vacations. Their behavior raised eyebrows among friends and relatives. Initially, detectives thought about investigating José's business affairs to determine whether he had any enemies, but they quickly began to suspect the brothers.

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Erik confesses to his therapist

The turning point in the investigation was when Erik Menendez confessed to his psychiatrist, Dr. Jerome Oziel, about the murder. He confessed during a private session. Even though doctor-patient privilege protected the confession, Dr. Oziel ended up alerting the police.

The self-incriminating tapes prepared by the therapist served as the crowning jewel of the prosecution's case, and Lyle and Erik Menendez were taken into police custody.

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The investigation and arrest

The brothers were interrogated and began showing cracks in their stories. Erik's therapy session tapes were introduced as evidence, and by March 1990, both Lyle and Erik were arrested and charged with the murders of their parents. Their case became a national sensation and its televised coverage captured the attention of millions.

During their trial, the brothers argued that they killed their parents as they feared that their father would would kill them after they threatened to expose him for abusing them s*xually and physically. However, the prosecution claimed that the siblings committed the murders in a bid to claim their multi-million dollar inheritance. The brothers failed to convince the judge and jury in their favor and were given life sentences without the possibility of parole.

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Lyle and Erik Menendez were caught not only by Erik's confession but also by their unusual behavior. Their attempt at staging the crime scene coupled with reckless spending soon after the murders was enough to alert the investigators to look deeper into the case. The confession Erik made to his therapist sealed their fate, leading to their arrests and eventual convictions.