Erik and Lyle Menendez, two of the most infamous figures in American criminal history, have spent nearly three decades behind bars. As Thanksgiving 2024 approaches, many wonder how the brothers will spend the holiday in prison. What will their meal look like? In this article, we break down their Thanksgiving menu, the reality of their lives behind bars, and what their future might hold.
The Menendez Brothers: A Brief Background
Erik and Lyle Menendez were convicted in 1996 for the brutal murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. The case shocked the nation, with the brothers claiming they acted in self-defense after enduring years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of their father.
The Menendez brothers’ lives have remained in the public eye thanks to high-profile media coverage, documentaries, and dramatizations like Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.
Though they have spent more than 30 years in prison, their legal battle continues. They are currently at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, awaiting the outcome of a resentencing hearing that could potentially make them eligible for parole.
Despite their ongoing legal struggles, the brothers are still subject to the same prison routine, including what they eat on major holidays. So, what will Erik and Lyle Menendez be eating this Thanksgiving?
The Menendez Thanksgiving Meal: What’s on the Plate?
Prison meals aren’t known for their gourmet quality, but Thanksgiving in prison is typically a little different. For Erik and Lyle Menendez, their Thanksgiving meal at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility includes some holiday classics. A menu acquired by In Touch reveals that the brothers will have the option to choose from turkey or ham for the main course. Alongside that, they can enjoy a range of sides, including:
- Green Salad
- Fresh Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
- Sweet Corn
- Dinner Rolls
- Cranberry Sauce
For dessert, the Menendez brothers have a choice of assorted pies. It’s a simple meal, but one that gives them a taste of the festive season behind bars.
While this meal may not compare to a traditional home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner, it’s a reminder of how prison routines can shift slightly for holidays. Prison meals are often the same day-to-day, with little variety, so this seasonal feast offers a break from the norm.
A Glimpse into Daily Life in Prison for the Menendez Brothers
While Thanksgiving provides a temporary change in routine, the brothers’ daily life is far from glamorous. According to reports, throughout October, Erik and Lyle were offered a variety of meals, including:
- Roasted Chicken
- Lunch Meat Sandwiches
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
For dinner, inmates had options like cheese pizza, beef patties, chicken breast, and fish. Lemon cake made a special appearance for dessert on weekends. It’s clear that, while the food isn’t necessarily nutritious or exciting, the holiday meal is a special treat compared to their usual options.
These meals are part of the prison’s structured environment, designed to maintain order and stability within the correctional facility. Despite their infamy, Erik and Lyle must abide by the same rules and schedules as other inmates.
The Ongoing Legal Battle: Could They Ever Be Released?
The Menendez brothers’ story is far from over. Their resentencing hearing has been delayed, but the Los Angeles District Attorney, George Gascón, recommended in October that Erik and Lyle be resentenced to 50 years, making them eligible for parole. This would mark a significant shift, as they were originally sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
In response, Mark Geragos, their attorney, spoke about the psychological toll of spending nearly three decades behind bars. “In order to get through each day, you’ve got to just ground yourself,” Geragos explained. While the brothers remain hopeful about a potential release, there are complications surrounding the case.
After Gascón lost his bid for re-election, the decision was deferred to District Attorney-elect Nathan Hochman, who will review the case once he enters office. Governor Gavin Newsom also recently deferred the clemency decision to Hochman.
In the meantime, Erik and Lyle are waiting for a ruling on two new pieces of evidence that could support their claims of sexual abuse by their father, which were not introduced during their original trials. If the evidence is allowed, it could potentially influence their case and lead to a reduction in their sentences.
The Psychological Impact of Life Behind Bars
Both brothers have been vocal about the psychological impact of their experiences. Erik, who is now 53, has expressed deep remorse, saying, “I went to the only person that had ever helped me and that had ever protected me. Then ultimately this happened because of me.”
Lyle, now 56, still struggles with the events of that night. In the recent documentary, he admitted that he felt responsible for the tragic outcome. “I never found understanding. I sometimes feel like I rescued Erik. But did I?” Lyle said.
These statements reflect the mental toll of years of imprisonment and the enduring impact of the trauma they endured as children. While the brothers may face a potential release, the weight of their past actions and their complex relationship with their parents will likely continue to haunt them.
What’s Next for the Menendez Brothers?
As Erik and Lyle Menendez wait for their resentencing hearing in January 2024, the question remains: Will they ever walk free from prison? There is still much uncertainty, but their case has sparked ongoing debates about justice, rehabilitation, and the possibility of second chances.
No matter what happens, their Thanksgiving meal in prison remains a small, but significant, reminder of the years they’ve spent behind bars. As they wait for legal updates, Erik and Lyle continue to live in a prison of their own making, but their story is still far from finished.
photo credit: Newsweek
