Lyle and Erik Menendez are names synonymous with a chilling crime that captivated the nation: the brutal murder of their parents in 1989. Sentenced to life imprisonment, the brothers’ story continues to fascinate, especially in light of recent discussions around potential resentencing and parole eligibility following Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón’s recommendation. This has yet to be approved by a judge.
While their crime occurred in their Beverly Hills mansion, the Menendez brothers’ lives began far from the opulence and tragedy of California. They only moved to the Golden State in 1986, a few years before the fateful events. To understand their journey, it’s essential to trace their steps back to where they lived before the notoriety and incarceration. Let’s take a look at the residences that shaped their early years.
New York City, New York (1968–1970): The Beginning
The Menendez family’s story starts in New York City. José Menendez, the family patriarch, was a Cuban immigrant who sought refuge in the United States after the Cuban Revolution in the 1950s. He married Mary Louise “Kitty” Andersen in 1963, and the couple initially settled in the bustling metropolis of New York City. This was a period of establishing roots and building their future. José pursued higher education, earning an accounting degree from Queens College, laying the foundation for his future business success.
It was in New York City that Lyle Menendez, the elder brother, was born on January 10, 1968. While their time in New York was brief, it marks the origin of the Menendez brothers’ life journey, a stark contrast to the later chapters filled with crime and legal battles.
Hopewell Township, New Jersey (1970–1986): Growing Up in the Garden State
Seeking a different environment to raise their young family, the Menendez family relocated to Hopewell Township, New Jersey, around 1970. Kitty transitioned from her teaching career, and it was in New Jersey that their second son, Erik Menendez, was born on November 27, 1970, in Gloucester Township. Hopewell Township became their long-term family home.
The brothers’ formative years were spent in New Jersey. They both received their education at Princeton Day School, an independent school known for its rigorous academics. As José Menendez’s career progressed and his financial success grew, the family moved to a more affluent area within New Jersey, acquiring a property near Community Park North, now part of the Mountain Lakes Preserve in Princeton. This move signifies their upward social mobility and increasing prosperity. Their time in New Jersey spanned sixteen years, representing a significant portion of their childhood and adolescence. In 1986, a major career advancement for José – his appointment as CEO of Live Entertainment – prompted another significant relocation for the family, this time to the West Coast, in Calabasas, California.
Calabasas, California (1986-1988): Teenage Troubles in Southern California
The move to Southern California in 1986 marked a turning point for the Menendez brothers. Relocating to Calabasas, a wealthy suburb of Los Angeles, exposed Erik and Lyle to a new social environment and, unfortunately, a more “troublemaking crowd” as some reports suggest. This period saw the brothers engaging in delinquent behaviors, a stark contrast to their privileged upbringing.
Erik’s troubles escalated to legal issues. In 1988, he was arrested not once, but twice for burglary. Although he managed to avoid incarceration, he was mandated to attend therapy as a consequence of his actions. This period in Calabasas, while relatively short, foreshadowed deeper problems and a deviation from the seemingly perfect facade of the Menendez family.
Beverly Hills, California (1988-1989): The Infamous Mansion
Menendez brothers Beverly Hills home in 1989, Erik and Lyle Menendez on the steps
The final family residence before the tragic murders was in the exclusive enclave of Beverly Hills. The move to Beverly Hills in 1988 was reportedly abrupt and followed Erik and Lyle’s involvement in burglaries in Calabasas. According to a report by Vanity Fair journalist Dominick Dunne, the brothers allegedly stole over $100,000 worth of cash and jewelry from homes in the Calabasas area. To shield the family image, Erik, being a minor at the time, took responsibility and received probation.
José Menendez purchased a mansion on Elm Drive in Beverly Hills in 1988 for a reported $4 million from real estate magnate Mark Slotkin. This Mediterranean-style estate, originally built in 1927, was more than just a house; it was a symbol of their wealth and status. Interestingly, the property had a history of celebrity residents, including music icons Prince and Elton John, as well as a Saudi prince, adding to its allure and prestige.
The sprawling estate boasted luxurious amenities, featuring a detached guest house, seven bedrooms, and nine bathrooms. Listings on Realtor.com described it as an “oasis for the ultra-wealthy,” complete with a private tennis court, swimming pool, rose gardens, and a wine cellar with a tasting room. The interior was equally grand, featuring a dramatic circular staircase in the entryway, imported Italian limestone flooring, and a gourmet kitchen equipped with high-end appliances and a walk-in pantry. This Beverly Hills mansion became the backdrop for the horrific crime that forever changed the Menendez brothers’ lives and captivated public attention.
Beverly Hills mansion visitors taking photos, Menendez brothers house exterior
Conclusion: From East Coast Roots to Beverly Hills Tragedy
The journey of the Menendez brothers took them from the East Coast to the heights of Beverly Hills luxury, culminating in a tragic climax within the walls of their mansion. From their birth in New York City to their formative years in New Jersey, and finally to the troubled times in California, the places they lived provide a geographical context to their life story. While the Beverly Hills mansion is forever linked to the horrific crime, understanding their previous residences offers a more complete picture of their upbringing and the path that led them to notoriety. The question of where the Menendez brothers lived is not just about addresses; it’s about understanding the environments that shaped their lives before the events that sealed their fate.
