Monsters on Elm Drive: The Menendez Brothers

It’s Hollywood Nights and Beverly Hills this week for Tom and Ben as they explore the (to this day) highly divisive 1989 case of The Menendez Brothers: Erik and Lyle Menendez.
Tune in and all will be revealed!
Follow our socials: @couldmurderapod
Written & presented by Tom Norris & Ben Carter | @nozzer89 @thisiscarts
Produced by Dan Lambert at Boston Sound | @bstnsnd
Additional voice-over Tom Turner
Additional research by Danielle St Romaine
Artwork & animation by Phil Whitton | @philwhitz
Opening theme by Alfie Indra | @alfieindra
For extra content, bonus episodes and discount codes for merch: www.icmap.co.uk
Follow our socials: @couldmurderapod
Written & presented by Tom Norris & Ben Carter | @nozzer89 @thisiscarts
Produced by Dan Lambert | @dvnjmix
Edited by Ben Bonsey
#ICMAP #TheMenendezBrothers #monsters #menendezbrothers

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Do you believe the Menendez brothers' testimony?

[@jameslovesbutter2314]

No I never really did however who really knows what went on behind the scenes, it also depends on who you listen to when reviewing the case. Great work man ☺️

[@alfienewland5427]

Someone who murders their parents because they were abused does not immediately pop out to buy a Porsche, Rolexes and a Restaurant.....textbook rich kids who want the money!!

[@MiniKawaiiWorld1]

In partial.

[@MiniKawaiiWorld1]

Btw kitty did know what was going on when she saw that...obviously without the boys they could sit down and watch a movie..she had mentioned before that she was already scared of them..she was caught by surprise is what happened.

[@MiniKawaiiWorld1]

Guys i just wanted to help w the pronunciation of José name..its pronounced Hoe-zay w an english accent and Huh-seh w a correct Spanish accent. 🤗👍🏻👌

[@residentcryptid7601]

I stand by the fact that I don’t think they should’ve gotten life. I 100% believe the boys and I feel some degree of sympathy for them.

[@supremeamine2382]

Absolutely. The dad seems like a dirtbag abuser and the mom clearly acted like she didn't know anything and let it happen.

[@franciberlin8853]

They gave there parents life 2lieing losers

[@barbarabreunis7788]

The mom abused Lyle too!!

[@ritaeichler2066]

​@@barbarabreunis7788no evidence of any abuse..u have neen fooled by their lies

[@Kristjanna_x]

Subbed the other day, on a absolute binge. Your podcasts are great guys, very professional, well researched and with some banter and the conversation runs smoothly between you both and you never talk over each other. Great work! Keep it up! 👌😊

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Thanks Kirsty!

[@d3l3tes00n]

I always thought these guys were 100% guilty, but I've watched several docs that state how they were really abused. Wild. I don't think the spending spree is that strange actually. If I had killed my abuser & got their money, I'd go crazy with it as a big 'fuck you' to them. They probably felt like they could finally live afterwards.

[@nelixsulu6201]

And learning how controlling their father was, I wouldn’t be surprised if the dad froze the brother’s accounts/finances as a source of punishment.

[@ariannareid4652]

And if u think about it in their eyes it wasn’t rlly anything special Bc they had been spending this kind of money before they even killed their parents. When their parents died they were spending around the same amount of money they would spend when their parents were alive.

[@spotlYghtseeker]

Yup if you cage an animal when you let them loose they will go wild

[@Cove999]

💯💯

[@paulevans6947]

@@d3l3tes00n good point!

[@NikiR88]

Even today I look at them like they’re kids because of what they went through, it’s heartbreaking they didn’t deserve to be treated like that by their parents. Someone should’ve done something before it got to that point.

[@seamusblack5876]

WHAT? You actually believe them..

[@seamusblack5876]

Oh sorry their so handsome ok

[@NikiR88]

@@seamusblack5876 yeah I do and it has nothing to do with their looks, when they’re talking about their abuse you can see them going back to those moments of helplessness and regressing back to being children.

[@AndiKowalski]

@@NikiR88 I swear some people have no empathy. Who cares if they were wealthy and handsome they absolutely didn't deserve what they went through.

[@anitarichardson2836]

@@AndiKowalski it has nothing to do with being empathetic or not, it's about believing them or not. Personally I believe that there could have been abuse because their dad was clearly a ped but his type was young girls so I don't know if they're just using that information to make themselves look like victims or if their dad really was a monster. They've had a while to practice their sob stories anyway. I definitely don't trust them but that's just my opinion, we're all entitled to them, the way they talk about themselves as young boys to me doesn't sound like regression it sounds like manipulation. Putting on quiet voices and crying with no tears doesn't really scream innocent to me. I write this short essay to explain to you that not believing two convicted killers doesn't instantly make a person cold hearted. A person without empathy is a psychopath, you're basically calling everyone who doesn't believe their stories (of which there have been a few) psychopaths based off of a simple question. Does that make you empathetic? The bigger person? Or does it make you unable to comprehend that it could be possible that the people who died are also victims and that some people reserve their empathy for the people who died and can't defend themselves against these accusations? Having empathy doesn't mean that you trust everyone blindly, do you have any empathy for the mother and/or father at all? Do you think that the mother deserved what they did to her? Genuinely curious to see how full of empathy you really are 😄

[@Catsandcamera]

A four million dollar pound mansion, man that's an expensive mansion. How did Ben not pick you up on that 😂

[@aliinlondon]

A Red Dwarf reference, I believe :) ... I hope!

[@NikitaSarahful]

I'm always 50/50 on this case. Amazing to see the popularity it has on Tik Tok too. Amazing work guys!

[@kloestone7796]

I believe them 100 percent! Their emotions in the court room cannot be replicated by even the best actor.

[@barbarabreunis7788]

Exactly! And they went from 0 to 100% emotional fullspeed. Nobody is that good at acting. This was real. These boys had been raped and mentally and physically tortured!

[@theriffnotebook8412]

No one: Tom and Ben: JOE-se 😂

[@gonzaloabril9737]

Hoe-se 🤣

[@leonietia2311]

Completely forgot that it was Monday so was delighted when I saw the notification!

[@PaulA-yw6lx]

Always excited to see a new video of yours, great research, a few good laughs (which is impressive given the cases). Excited to be notified of new content here, great discourse about the cases in the chat too. You guys are on to a proper good thing.

[@PaulA-yw6lx]

Fantastic animations too, don't wanna leave anyone out!

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Thank you so much for the lovely feedback, Paul! We always appreciate it! And yeah, Phil Whitz is the animator - on fire once again!

[@PaulA-yw6lx]

@@ICouldMurderAPodcast Full credit to Phil for his amazing artwork, and thanks for the response guys.

[@PaulA-yw6lx]

Interestingly The Kennedy's also had a really strange and damaging/beneficial relationship with their father wherein John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy among other members of the family (such as David who later turned to drugs) were quizzed every morning by their father particularly on political affairs. It just reminded me of this story, in at least as much as we've heard from the brother's side of the story. The Kennedy Curse might be something you guys might be interested in covering in the future, as I know you'd do a quality a job and it is dark and full of mystery.. Still boxing from my buddy Ned Kelly's corner for a future video though! Haha

[@SiriusxStar]

Wow literally read about this case a few days ago, and you guys post this ! Perfect 👌

[@jessmueller8300]

I've only recently found your channel but I love it! Really interesting & funny 🤓 thank you ☺️ I work in a small shop & your podcasts have kept me entertained between customers.... My boss is lovely & let's me listen to headphones at work 🎧😎 I'm self employed & work for myself! 😂

[@cyndihunter6022]

😆 thanks for the laugh that was cute!!

[@georgiamold5135]

Keep up the great work on these podcasts! Been watching since the very first episode and I always appreciate the mix of serious research and facts with friendly banter

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Thanks Georgia!

[@justnickgaming9174]

I just finished listening to this on Spotify why not watch it on KZbin as well

[@gt_wolf5439]

I find it better to watch on KZbin bc they show pictures and real time videos from the case

[@imogeninsufferable]

I've been seeing clips of this on Tiktok and was so curious to learn the full story...

[@robertcarly4186]

I attended a few days of the 2nd. trial in the Van Nuys Court in December 1995, Erik's attorney was a tough attorney.

[@UploaderNine]

I heard the Menendez brothers attended Hollywood Arts High School. They had a group of friends that were performers. One friend was a piano player songwriter, the others were mostly singers. Another of their quirky ventriloquist friends ran a school tabloid called The Slap, it was an amazing sight back in 1989. And those Vega sisters, the brothers sure liked them. I heard from somewhere that how their High School was. k bye

[@rouna07]

I found your channel a couple of days ago and I AM HOOKED! I love the content, your flow and how the music stops when you say something funny lol Oh, and your voices are perfect together lol Ooh ooh, and I am going to recommend you to all my students who want to improve their listening skills because your accent is lovely ☺️ I'm running out of compliments 😆 OK, that's all! ❤️ from 🇬🇷 !!!

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Hey Sia, thank you so much for your kind words. Let us know what your students think! haha❤️

[@rouna07]

@@ICouldMurderAPodcast I will haha I have a feeling the female students in particular will thank me for the recommendation *wink wink*🤭😁🙋

[@kellyfinleybrown9313]

Lovely Podcast about one of my guilty pleasures...true crime and murder. Thanks so much!! Austin Texas listener.

[@benm431]

That intro animation/footage was a good one. Nice work fellas

[@thetinypix1384]

hadn’t realised it’d been a week, since I’ve been watching the minisodes, was a nice surprise

[@Bloodmoonballroom]

My new favorite podcast telling everyone about it

[@AcornElectron]

If this episode told me one thing it was that ferrets stink of piss. I already knew but it’s always good to get confirmation online 😉 Keep up the good work fellas and stay safe.

[@Traillblazer]

A bit of useless information... If José Menéndez had lived, on the 21st August he was suppose to have met with film maker Tom Holland and Roddy McDowall to ask if he would produce Fright Night Part 3.

[@davemeads859]

Great channel seriously high quality content thank you

[@TheInvestiGatorYT]

Wow I run a crime channel too and this was recommended to me and so happy! Such great content, subbed!

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Thank you!

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Your channel is awesome! :)

[@TheInvestiGatorYT]

@@ICouldMurderAPodcast You're sweet, than you :) Still in its infancy.

[@UnJustified]

Same!!!! Was in my recommendations - maybe because I am doing a series in this case right now on my channel- Subbed here quickly! Very calming podcast 🙌🏻

[@NotMartinLuther]

@ICouldMurderAPodcast have you guys seen the Menendez Menudo doc on peacock yet? Very compelling, I instantly thought of you guys covering this case haha. Check it out, it may change your minds

[@nevaagen1133]

Been watching the channel since I seen Tom on the happy hour podcast love the videos keep doing what you're doing. And I agree with Ben they do look like the kind of ppl who speed up when trying to over take as well

[@hughhaefner3317]

Just found your channel on the Hugh Hefner debauchery coverage. I'm one story into y'alls channel and this is #2. No body function pun intended. Next will be number "free". And if I end up with an Aussie accent, well, that means y'all are doing a great job with your channel and you're very talented.

[@smokeymcherb9506]

'nother good one, ta gents 👏

[@connorbougeard803]

There’s a very similar case in jersey about a family called the Newalls who were very well off and there sons killed them it took a long time to find the bodies and who did it also they served very little jail time

[@carmelhughesparolya899]

This one I’ve seen around for a good while now, delighted I watched your extremely well researched version, thanks again guys, great 😊 camaraderie between you, love your unique style 💖😎👌

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Thank you as always, Carmel. Hope you are well! ❤️

[@christinepreston8642]

10:50 couldn't find any connection with a quick Google, but Erik and Agassi were the same age, so could have been on the same tennis circuit. However, Agassi went professional at 16 while Eric was 44th, so looks like different leagues.

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

That’s amazing 😦

[@yourmaw8790]

its like if 2 good looking clones of Alan Partridge did a murder podcast...i love it

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

😂

[@cthulhuhoops]

Very happy to have found this channel. You guys are great!

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Thank you!

[@lloydthomas2362]

Great episode 👍

[@sargieboi9315]

Just found this channel. Fantastic. Got my binge on. UTV!

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

UTV Sargie!

[@charlotteminshull6686]

Love the clothes 🤠 and facial hair 🤩 love the up beat presentation hi from Canada 👍👍🌞 but guess what I'm from UK originally . So love the accent guys 😜👍😊🥳you guys are both so cute I love that you are good friends as well I watch all the time . Thanks for the entertaining fun podcasts u rock guys 👍👍👍🔆

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Thanks Charlotte! 💀❤️

[@MrBaiLiE7]

Is the grass greener over there?

[@DMWBN3]

Got an Elm Drive up the road from me in Hove, nr Brighton. Cutting the dogs head off, killing a ferret?? Surely there must have been more than red flags around this incident? Dysfunctional family at its highest.

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Have there ever been any nightmares on Elm Drive in Brighton, Mr Watto? 😦

[@DMWBN3]

I Could Murder A Podcast it was by an estate where all my pals lived & remember a couple of parties as a teen in the 80's. These were some nightmare moments from those.... 😁

[@Duke46283]

I’ve never heard of this case before. Really interesting. Great podcast as usual lads! Also, out of curiosity, I watched that SNL clip. Man, that was terrible

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

It’s so so bad isn’t it! Can’t believe they haven’t pulled it!

[@bigkuriboh3814]

Sorry but what is the SNL clip?

[@V-13579]

I don’t think it’s even particularly offensive, it’s just really unfunny. That’s just American comedy though 🙄

[@WalshAmelia]

Really enjoying this series, great job guys!

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Thank you! :)

[@charlettefaulkner5479]

Another great epispde thank you so much look forward to Thursday!

[@Berendo4ever]

Re: Jury. In the US, most people are paid a few bucks each day (like $15) to be on a jury, and the most jobs won't pay their employees for jury service. You're losing money especially on long trials

[@umertesacker5992]

I was thinking of gareth bale whenever Erik's picture popped up during the episode😅

[@catherineflanagan3392]

Your both great .I will keep watching.im catching up .but love them all 😎🇮🇪🙃😎

[@katashworth41]

Scary, Ben was born the same day as my brother.

[@niamhdocherty3138]

Who needs to study for my final exam tomorrow when I can listen to you guys instead :)

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Good luck for tomorrow!

[@niamhdocherty3138]

@@ICouldMurderAPodcast thank you

[@crikeymikey4966]

@@niamhdocherty3138 How did you do?

[@niamhdocherty3138]

@@crikeymikey4966 long time ago but I passed from what I remember! Thank you 😊

[@catherineflanagan1587]

Love watching 😀

[@rorofunkytoe9598]

I am binging these vids so much 💞

[@TheInvestiGatorYT]

Same.

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Enjoy!

[@koolerking440]

As with a lot of those type of murders, you really wonder what is going through their minds to think they could get away with it.

[@jordanjohns7896]

They were severely psychologically damaged by their parents so who knows.

[@elsoss180]

Just found this channel, love it, great work... Maybe cover the Port Arthur/Martin Bryant story?

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Thanks so much, Scott! Definitely interesting cases there :)

[@fayeboo2012]

Nice jumper big buddy boy :)

[@sofiapereira1790]

Killer humor always 😂

[@koolerking440]

I mean, if the parents are doing their homework where did they think that would lead....you’re going to get found out at uni.

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Very valid shout 😂

[@xoddsocksx4766]

I’ve just cancelled my Netflix so I can join you on Patreon I’ll probably reactivate it one day but I’m watching you guys more than Netflix so might as well give you my money.

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Thank you so much! 🥰 We hope we dont disappoint

[@MrBaiLiE7]

Such a divisive episode, I wonder what would happen if they reopened the case.

[@vmc7773]

Great video 👍

[@robertcarly4186]

They moved from Calabasas to the Beverly Hills home/estate, the Beverly Hills home is not on a gated street, but the house and property are gated.

[@AlabamaT]

Calabasas has gated homes 🏡

[@catherineflanagan3392]

Another great podcast 🇮🇪🤗😎🙃

[@estern001]

So Kitty married the wrong hombre, yadda, yadda, yadda.

[@aliinlondon]

How insightful

[@d3l3tes00n]

Well when there are very few good men..

[@hughhaefner3317]

The only thing the media left out back then in real time was that the brothers had $500,000 of items on layaway at Kmart in their spending spree.

[@sophielouise7349]

I'm a counsellor and you have a contract prior to sessions. Some people do ask to record it although a lot don't. But there are breaches in confidentiality and harm to self and others is one of them. I don't see how they think they can say it and it won't come out 😂😂

[@MutesMutesMutes]

You guys rule!

[@nathanjedrej792]

Is this from ben Stiller in cable guy! Liquid football as usual.

[@chloeheight8974]

can you do one about richard ramirez? would love your version of it as you go into so many details x

[@saml8510]

Can't imagine I would be an enthusiastic go-getter if I was being horrendously abused and tortured. I imagine I would severely depressed (and that's putting it mildly) with no motivation to succeed when trapped in a situation so awful

[@jamesywulf2339]

The mendes brothers look like the hockey club boys from my old uni. They were all pricks too!

[@ITIS2000MAN]

Hey guys. Love the podcast. Have you done anything on Junko Furuta yet?

[@rickyscott9351]

Good old "Plead The Fifth"

[@tiptopmagoo1435]

I’m aware that the firearm policy and law are much different in the UK than the United States but I was just wondering how rare are gun shops or places to buy firearms in your area ? Do you have firing ranges where you can at least go shoot firearms owned by the companies and get training ? Or is it pretty much just hunting rifles and shotguns with special license or permit in order to purchase or use ? Have you boys ever came over to the US and shot or visited a big gun shop ?

[@leslienewton2773]

They have clubs like rod and gun club. Handguns are big for everyone. Have to take course,get finger printed, pay a fee and it comes and you get license or conceal carry license.everyone men and women own guns. You have to in theU.S., our leaders hate us. 😟😡😟qq

[@JJ_0301]

Would you ever cover the Krays ?

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Tom does THE BEST impression of Ronnie...

[@jonbailey8072]

@@ICouldMurderAPodcast hope it doesn’t involve being bent up like a pretzel?🥨

[@BRadbourneMusic]

Day one of asking ICMAP to cover Josef Mengele

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Oh god 😂

[@thethingonlycatscansee963]

8.12: look at the father’s hand

[@HappyExtheist]

I noticed that too. Inappropriate.

[@crikeymikey4966]

@@HappyExtheist Very.

[@dana_brooke_27]

Eric should have gone into acting. He could have won an Academy award. I can't believe they were allowed to leave the state much less the country. I remember this. Jose was trash. Those boys were free to leave. I feel bad for Kitty. She lived with lunatics. She should have left. I came from abuse. My siblings and I never once thought of blowing away our parents.

[@ariannareid4652]

I do feel bad for Kitty about being an alcoholic, drug abuser etc. but their was also allegations against her that she also abused the boys and wanted Jose to continue to abuse the boys. She would sort of inspite some of the abuse. For example the police found lists that she would make telling Jose that “Erik wouldn’t eat his food” so Jose could beat Erik

[@leandradozier968]

Well honey that’s you. Not everyone response to abuse the same. It’s attitudes like yours that helps abuse flourish and get swept under the rug.

[@dana_brooke_27]

@@leandradozier968 So you believe they were right in blowing them away? You don't have any idea the abuse I grew up with. You have no right to judge me. But my Mother made him leave even with his death threats. Murder is not the answer. There are ways to expose the abuse. They were adults..they could leave. I do believe they should be released.

[@leandradozier968]

@@dana_brooke_27 what I’m saying, they had it coming to them. The extreme physical and sexual abuse to beheading a dog, this unfortunately the result. It’s insane to me what their father got away with and what their mother let go down.

[@dana_brooke_27]

@@leandradozier968 So sad isn't it? And so insane it goes on everyday and the abusers get away with it. It pisses me off. Of course the father really got what he deserves. She was a broken abused women and of course that's no excuse but we don't know what really went on between the parents. She obviously was just as messed up as him. She should have kicked his ass out years ago for the sake of her children.

[@Raztiana]

So young people do stupid things after losing their parents? Average men by a motorcycle. These guys can afford everything they ever wanted, and set out to do everything that makes them feel good. That is not weird. It's just not pretty. They may be guilty, but their spending after their parents' death could just as well be a sign of grief.

[@babycakes8514]

I believe they killed their parents for money as they had been cut out of their fathers will. Their abuse theory is bull*. Most kids being abused would want to run away or get away, and if they couldn't do this, only then would murder be an option. Their extreme greed is also quite obvious.

[@ariannareid4652]

Not quite obvious as u think bc family, friends, phycologists, body language analysts, neighbors, Family friends, girlfriends etc. testified saying they believed them and gave evidence too. Also they testified that they had tried to run away/get away but they couldn’t (not saying I do or don’t believe them just saying what they stated)

[@crikeymikey4966]

This isn't about what "most kids would want to do". Abused children do not all act the same, or have the same reactions. What I'm saying is, I don't find this to be a valid enough point. Also it apparently wasn't as "obvious" as you'd think considering the grand jury did not indict them on charges of murder for financial gain because of the lack of actual evidence to support this, plus a 17 page letter Lyle wrote to Erik that certainly did not help the "murder for money" motive they wanted to push.

[@helenadrake9123]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN 🥳 🎈

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Thank you! ❤️

[@hburgstrom]

Free the Menendez brothers!

[@jacksonvega7751]

I could murder a podcast, I’m not a murderer mind

[@nelixsulu6201]

There’s a Jeffrey Epstein-ish vibe I get from this whole case. I wonder if the parents shopped those nude polaroid pictures around to Hollywood elite? 🤔

[@MiniKawaiiWorld1]

Ironically their father pushed them to become something and they decide to finally make this move after the parents are dead..must be that they couldn't be who they wanted to or just make it their w easy money and no education hard work and sweat!🤔🙄

[@aliinlondon]

Laaaaavery jubbly :) Thanks, lads * The shirt is *dreadful* , I'm afraid, man; you are slowly morphing into Ron Jeremy x

[@seamusblack5876]

Dog head cut off any witnesses?

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

The brothers found the head in the fridge. Multiple interviews about this.

[@paubguy1]

found you while looking for something else , so I will give you 20 mins see what your all about

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Let’s catch up in 20 mins!

[@koolerking440]

How were they spending this money is they’d been taken out of the 14 million $ will?

[@ICouldMurderAPodcast]

Parents credit cards, cash from within the house. I think it was close to $1m they spent which would add up from that.

[@beckiiex]

they were told they were taken out the will a year or so before the parents were killed. Then once they were informed that they actually hadnt been taken out the will, they were able to use the credit cards / money.

[@GodIsLove7377]

Yes! It’s not something you just MAKE UP!!! Geez!

[@MrAlexSan00]

Y'all really need to learn Spanish - "José" should be pronouned like "Hoe-zay"

[@tommoric376]

The guy on the left has such an ego he needs to shut the other guy down on every comment he makes 🙄

[@AcornElectron]

It’s just their dynamic. One is genuine, one is sarcastic. It’s what keeps such a dark subject relatively light. They’re good friends. A lot of people misinterpret British banter between friends as conflict. Unless you’re British yourself and just missed that it was a persona thing?

[@garfsexual6999]

Lmao, Jose sounds like the diet version of my dad