Ep 1. The Menendez Brothers: Murder in Beverly Hills

The show "How It Really Happened" is a documentary series that explores some of the most notorious and fascinating crimes in American history. Each episode delves deep into a specific case, examining the evidence and interviewing key players to shed new light on what really happened.

In season 1 episode 1, "The Menendez Brothers: Murder in Beverly Hills," viewers are taken back to the summer of 1989, when Lyle and Erik Menendez shocked the nation by brutally murdering their wealthy parents in their Beverly Hills mansion. The episode explores the crime and its aftermath, examining the motives behind the killings and the complex family dynamics that may have contributed to them.

The Menendez brothers were both in their early twenties when they killed their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in August of 1989. The murder was a shock to everyone who knew the family, as the Menendezes appeared to be the picture of success and happiness. Jose was a successful entertainment executive, while Kitty was a devoted homemaker and socialite. The family lived in a luxurious mansion in Beverly Hills and enjoyed all the trappings of wealth and privilege.

But behind the facade, the Menendez family was deeply dysfunctional. Jose was a domineering and abusive father who put immense pressure on his sons to excel in sports and academics. He was known to fly into rages and had physically abused his wife and sons in the past. Kitty was often distant and emotionally absent, leaving the boys to bear the brunt of their father's wrath alone.

In the aftermath of the murders, Lyle and Erik presented themselves as grieving sons who had been traumatized by the loss of their parents. But as investigators began to piece together the evidence, it became clear that the brothers had planned the murders in cold blood. They had purchased shotguns and ammunition weeks in advance and had meticulously planned every detail of the killings. They even went so far as to call 911 themselves and report the murders, hoping to throw investigators off their trail.

As the trial began, the Menendez brothers became the focus of intense media scrutiny. Their defense team tried to paint a picture of two young men who had been pushed to the brink by years of abuse and neglect. But the prosecution argued that the murders were simply a cold-blooded attempt to inherit their parents' fortune. In the end, the Menendez brothers were found guilty and sent to prison for life without the possibility of parole.

The episode of "How It Really Happened" goes beyond the sensational headlines to explore the complex psychology behind the murders. Viewers will hear from experts, family members, and others close to the case, gaining a deeper understanding of what drove the Menendez brothers to commit such a heinous crime. It is a gripping and thought-provoking account of one of the most shocking crimes in American history.