Jose Menendez, the father of Lyle and Erik Menendez, played a pivotal role in building the family’s wealth that ultimately led to the tragic events of August 1989. Before moving to Los Angeles, Jose worked as an accountant and later became the manager of commercial leasing at the car rental company Hertz. After RCA acquired Hertz, Jose worked on record deals with music artists in Hollywood. He then transitioned to Carolco Pictures, an independent film studio, where he helped the company earn millions of dollars by signing deals with major stars like Sylvester Stallone for the Rambo franchise.
The Menendez family’s affluent lifestyle was a result of Jose’s successful career in the entertainment industry. However, the wealth and privilege that came with it could not shield the family from the underlying issues that led to the tragic events. Lyle and Erik Menendez’s trials brought to light the allegations of years of sexual, emotional, and physical abuse they suffered at the hands of their parents, which their defense team argued was the motive behind the killings.
Lyle was 21 years old, and Erik was 18 when they shot their parents, Jose and Kitty. The aftermath of the murders and the subsequent trials have left a lasting impact on both brothers, shaping the course of their lives in the decades that followed. Today, Lyle is 56 years old, while Erik is 53.
The story of the Menendez family serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the devastating consequences of abuse. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, help is available through resources like the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). Trained staff members can provide confidential and judgment-free support to assist in healing and recovery. It is essential to raise awareness about these issues and provide avenues for support to prevent such tragic events from occurring in the future.