Netflix’s true-crime series ‘Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story‘ has everyone talking. This latest entry in Ryan Murphy’s anthology series dives headfirst into the notorious Menendez murders, where two wealthy brothers murdered their parents In the most gruesome way possible.
The series doesn’t hold back on the drama, showing how their once luxurious lifestyle crumbled after their arrest. But how much of that family fortune did Lyle and Erik actually inherit before things went south?
How Lyle And Erik Menendez Turned $14 Million Into $2 Million Within No Time
While ‘Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story‘ captivates viewers with courtroom drama and harrowing family secrets, the real-life financial details are just as wild. The Menendez brothers’ parents, José and Kitty Menendez, were incredibly wealthy, and left behind millions in their wills for their sons.
However, the brothers’ spending habits, combined with their legal troubles, quickly drained their inheritance. The Menendez brothers were originally set to inherit a hefty $14 million fortune after the deaths of their parents in 1989.
José Menendez, a prominent executive, had amassed significant wealth through his high-ranking roles at companies like Hertz Global Holdings, RCA Records, and Live Entertainment. After he and his wife were murdered by their own sons, his money was inherited by his sons. But the sibling duo Lyle and Erik spent it mindlessly on expensive watches, cars, and vacations among other things.
After they got caught, they had to spend a hefty amount on their legal aid. Eventually, they only managed to keep a fraction of it after accounting for taxes, debts, and legal fees. Their inheritance shrank down to a mere $2 million each, as noted by Town and Country.
Related: Who Are The Menéndez Brothers Married To? Where Are They Now?
Sounds like they still walked away with a decent chunk of change, right? Not really. The brothers’ carefree attitude toward money, coupled with mounting legal bills, meant that fortune disappeared faster than you can say, “fancy watch.”
They sold their house at a loss, struggled with IRS payments, and paid steep lawyer fees to people like their high-profile defense attorney Laurie Abramson. All in all, the Menendez brothers’ spending spree and financial mismanagement ensured that their inheritance dwindled rapidly.
How Much Would That Money Be Worth Today?
Back in 1989, $14 million was a lot of money. But thanks to inflation, that fortune would be worth a staggering $36.8 million today. While Lyle and Erik Menendez squandered much of it before their arrest, their inheritance could have set them up for life in today’s world. However, their wild spending and accumulating debts ensured they never got close to enjoying the benefits of that future fortune.
In case you missed it: Ryan Murphy Explains Why ‘Monsters’ Hints At A Romantic Relationship Between The Menendez Brothers
According to reports, Lyle and Erik burned through around $700,000 within months of their parents’ deaths. This includes Erik funding his tennis career, and Lyle investing in random business ventures.
The modern equivalent of their reckless spending spree? Roughly $1.8 million down the drain. It’s no wonder people started suspecting their involvement in the murders.
The Menendez Brothers’ Financial Fall
Lyle and Erik Menendez’s poor financial decisions were as suspicious as they were reckless. They went from jet-setting and living in luxury to selling off their assets just to pay debts.
According to reports, they even sold their Beverly Hills mansion at a significant loss of $1.2 million. While they initially tried to paint their extravagant spending as grief-fueled coping, it didn’t take long for authorities to link their financial actions to the crimes they committed.
In the end, the Menendez brothers had only $2 million left by the time their trial rolled around. That’s about $5 million in today’s terms, but it hardly seems like a reward for murder, especially considering their lifetime prison sentences.
