Murder & The Menendez Brothers: A Court TV Mystery - Episode 4: Rhyme or Reason

07/14/20 • 32 min

Content Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. When defense lawyers for Erik and Lyle Menendez announced just weeks before their trial began that they did indeed murder their parents, it shocked the nation. But that was just the first of many shocks to come as the case was laid out to justify their actions. Were the brothers victims of years of sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of their parents? If so, does that justify their actions? It wasn’t just the juries debating the issues as the trial progressed. People across the country took part in the discourse as week by week more people tuned in to see the drama play out on their televisions. For more Court TV and to see our coverage of the first Menendez trial on demand, go to CourtTV.com.

To see to part one in Dr. Jerome Oziel’s six-part testimony, click here.

To see to part one in Lyle Menendez’s nine-part testimony, click here.

To see to part one in Erik Menendez’s nine-part testimony, click here.

To see to part one in Dr. Jerome Oziel’s six-part testimony, click here.

To see to part one in Lyle Menendez’s nine-part testimony, click here.

To see to part one in Erik Menendez’s nine-part testimony, click here.

Previous Episode

Doomsday Cult Mom - New Charges Filed

Newlyweds Lori Vallow-Daybell and Chad Daybell had a recent date - in court - to hear the new charges Idaho prosecutors were leveling against them. Court TV Legal Correspondent Chanley Painter is back to explain those charges and to let us know what to expect next. One charge that wasn’t brought against the two is for the murders of young JJ Vallow and his big sister Tylee Ryan. Why is that? What could be behind the delay? Defense attorney Darryl Cohen will tell us why he thinks prosecutors are doing the right thing by waiting. One of the biggest unanswered questions -- What Is The Motive? Some say it has to do with Chad’s end of times beliefs, but Vinnie thinks it’s something else – SEX – and he’ll tell us why. Get the latest updates on CourtTV.com and catch Vinnie and the entire team live weeknights 8-11pm on Court TV Live.

To see Chanley’s interview with Eric Smith, click here.

Check out the latest podcast series from the Court TV library -Murder and the Menendez Brothers: A Court TV Mystery.

Next Episode

George Floyd Killing – Gag Order Imposed

The death of George Floyd, and subsequent criminal charges brought against the Minneapolis police officers involved, caused reverberations around the world, making it one of the most talked about criminal proceedings in recent history. So much so that the judge overseeing the case recently handed down a gag order silencing all involved in the case. Court TV Legal Correspondent Chanley Painter will join Vinnie with the latest on the judge’s ruling. Was the gag order necessary, or even constitutional? Vinnie’s special guest attorney Randall Kessler thinks so. But is it too late to put the genie back in the bottle? Can an impartial jury ever be seated for a case with this much exposure? If not, does that benefit the prosecution or the defense? Get the latest updates on CourtTV.com and catch Vinnie and the entire team live weeknights 8-11pm on Court TV Live.

To hear all of Court TV’s interview with defense attorney Earl Grey, click here

Check out the latest podcast series from the Court TV library -Murder and the Menendez Brothers: A Court TV Mystery