Highlights
- Lyle and Erik Menendez inherited $14 million after their parents’ murder.
- They spent nearly $700,000 within six months on luxury items.
- Almost $10.8 million was depleted due to legal fees and poor financial decisions.
- California’s Slayer Statute prevents them from inheriting any money from their parents.
- Remaining assets include a house, a condo, jewelry, and $651,948 in cash.
The tragic story of the Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, has captured audiences for decades, especially with the release of Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.
This new series explains the 1989 murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menéndez, and explores the brothers’ motivations, including allegations of long-term abuse and financial gain.
But what happened to the substantial inheritance the brothers received after the murders?
Also Read: Why Was Lyle Menendez Bald? Portrayal Vs. Real-Life
The Menendez Inheritance
Following the brutal killings, Lyle and Erik inherited a fortune estimated at $14 million. At first, their new money made them live a very lavish lifestyle.
Lyle purchased a luxury Porsche and a Rolex watch, while Erik focused on tennis lessons and travel. Within just six months, they reportedly spent nearly $700,000 on lavish items and experiences.
However, their flashy spending raised suspicions and became a key part of the investigation. Authorities began to wonder if the brothers had other motives beyond just defending themselves from claimed abuse.
Financial Woes Post-Conviction
Once convicted of first-degree murder, the brothers faced severe consequences regarding their inheritance.
Probate records revealed that almost $10.8 million of their estate had been depleted due to legal fees, taxes, and questionable financial decisions.
Their once-impressive fortune diminished to a mere fraction of its original value.
By the time the records were opened, the remaining assets included a house in Calabasas, a condominium in New Jersey, some jewelry, and around $651,948 in cash—insufficient to cover their mounting debts.
Even if they had been acquitted, the brothers wouldn’t have been able to claim their inheritance due to California’s Slayer Statute.
This statute prevents anyone who intentionally kills another person from inheriting from that person’s estate or receiving life insurance benefits.
The law treats the killer as if they had died before the victim, redistributing the benefits to other heirs.
This means that even without their conviction, Lyle and Erik would not have been able to enjoy their inheritance, given the circumstances of their actions.
