In the 1980s, Lyle and Erik Menendez lived in luxury. Their father, José, made millions. The family had a big house in Beverly Hills and enjoyed a rich lifestyle.
But in 1989, that all ended. The brothers were arrested for killing their parents. What followed was a long trial, a lot of spending, and finally, prison.
Let’s look at how their net worth changed over time.
Quick Facts About the Menendez Brothers
| Detail | Lyle Menendez | Erik Menendez |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Joseph Lyle Menendez | Erik Galen Menendez |
| Birth Date | January 10, 1968 | November 27, 1970 |
| Birthplace | New York, USA | New Jersey, USA |
| Parents | José & Kitty Menendez | José & Kitty Menendez |
| Crime | Murder of both parents | Murder of both parents |
| Sentence | Life in prison, no parole | Life in prison, no parole |
| Prison Location | California (RJD Facility) | California (RJD Facility) |
They Started Out Rich
Before their parents died, the Menendez brothers lived well. Their dad was a top boss in the entertainment world. He worked for a big company and made a lot of money.
The family estate was worth about $14.5 million. The boys grew up having everything they wanted.
What Did They Spend the Money On?
After the murders, the brothers got access to their parents’ money. In just a few months, they spent around $1 million. Here’s what they bought:
- A Porsche and other fancy cars
- Rolex watches
- Designer clothes and shoes
- Tennis lessons
- Big meals at expensive restaurants
- Lyle even bought a restaurant for $500,000
They didn’t hold back. They spent fast and didn’t think it would end.
The Court Costs Were Huge
Soon, the trial started. The brothers were charged with first-degree murder. The case lasted for years. It made headlines across the country.
Lawyers cost money—lots of it. They spent around $1.5 million on legal help. In the end, more than $10 million of the estate was gone. Much of it went to court costs and bills.
Why They Lost Their Inheritance
At first, they got their parents’ money. But once they were found guilty, that changed.
California law says killers can’t keep money from people they kill. So, the brothers lost all rights to the family fortune.
Everything they didn’t spend went to others or was taken by the state.
What’s Their Net Worth Today?
As of 2025, Lyle and Erik are both in prison. They don’t own any property. They don’t have jobs that pay much, if anything. Simply put, they are broke.
Their current net worth is $0.
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Conclusion
The Menendez brothers once lived like kings. But bad choices, crime, and greed led to their fall. They spent their family’s fortune fast and lost the rest to the courts.
Now, instead of living in luxury, they spend their days behind bars. Their story is a clear example of how fast wealth can vanish when things go wrong.
FAQs
2. How much did they spend after their parents died?
They spent close to $1 million in just six months.
3. What’s their financial situation now?
They have no money and are serving life sentences in prison.
4. Why did the Menendez brothers kill their parents?
They said they did it out of fear and claimed years of abuse. The court did not accept this as a legal excuse, and they were convicted of murder.
5. Did they have any money left after the trial?
No. By the time the trial ended, most of the money was spent or taken by the state. Legal bills ate up a huge part of it.
6. Can the Menendez brothers make money in prison?
Not really. Inmates can work, but prison jobs pay very little—often just a few cents per hour.
7. Have they made money from interviews or TV shows?
They can’t profit from their crime. Laws like the “Son of Sam” law block killers from making money off their stories.
8. Did anyone else get the Menendez estate?
Yes. After the brothers lost their right to inherit, the money went to other family members and to cover legal fees.
9. Are the Menendez brothers still in contact with each other?
Yes. After years apart in different prisons, they were reunited in 2018 and are now in the same facility.
10. Have they ever asked for a new trial?
Yes. There have been efforts to get the case reviewed, especially with new public interest and possible new evidence.
11. Is their case still popular today?
Yes. Many people still talk about it. TV shows, documentaries, and TikTok have kept the story alive for a new generation.
12. How old are the Menendez brothers now?
As of 2025, Lyle is 57 years old, and Erik is 54 years old.
