We all remember in 2022 when “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” was released by Netflix and the world went crazy. The serial killer’s case had been brought back to life, creating an uproar of controversy. People noted how gruesome and horrifying the show was, some saying it was a bit too realistic. The victims were remembered and their killer was slandered by the media and public.

History seems to be repeating itself because, this past September, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” was released on Netflix, and once again caused a frenzy among watchers.

However, this case was brought to court around 30 years ago. Times have changed, we’ve learned more, and the Menendez brothers should be released from prison.

The show explains the story of Erik and Lyle Menendez, two brothers who killed their parents in 1989 in their extravagant Beverly Hills mansion. The show starts by introducing the brothers after they’ve committed the crime. The two are rolling in money after inheriting their parents fortune and are certain they won’t get caught. That doesn’t last too long. Erik confesses the crime to his therapist, and not long after, word made its way to the police. The boys were arrested, and the show tracks the trial and explains the actual sequence of events.

However, this season has gained a different reaction from watchers. Instead of facing backlash like Dahmer’s case did, the Menendez brothers have found themselves with a tremendous amount of support, and much of it from people who weren’t even alive during the case.

The show is a dramatization and I believe that it is an inaccurate portrayal of the brothers and the events that took place. It shows Erik and Lyle as greedy and power-hungry. Lyle’s character specifically was taken out of hand. He was played as accusatory, hot-headed, and almost psychotic. The documentary made it clear through the words of the brothers’ aunt that Lyle’s hot-headed personality was unrepresentative of him.

“I think Lyle was shown as more aggressive and he wasn’t as innocent,” said freshman Violet Wagner. “I think Erik was more believable.”

That’s why many looked to the documentary “The Menendez Brothers” that was released on Netflix in October to get their facts straight. The documentary is told from the brothers’ perspective, as they explain their story from inside the jail.

“I’m glad I watched the documentary first because I was able to fact-check the series with something more substantial,” said MT alum and former editor of “The Township Times” Maddie Balestier, an avid viewer. “But they definitely gave different interpretations of it.”

Both films heavily discuss the abuse of the brothers throughout their childhood. Erik and Lyle, who were accused of first degree murder, claim that the killing of their parents was an act of self defense after a lifetime of physical, emotional and sexual abuse from their father and mother. In July 1996, the Menendez brothers were sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole.

This case was shocking to the public. But since that time, people have moved on. That was, until the groundbreaking films about the brothers were released. Their story shocked many people and caused an uproar among the public. On Oct. 24 it was made official that the brothers will get a resentencing that could possibly lead to their release.  But until then, the real question is: Should the Menendez brothers be released?

Your first thought would be no. They killed their parents, right? But those who have watched the films or followed the trial have to take into consideration the amount of abuse they endured from their own parents.

“I don’t think that it should’ve been life with no parole,” said Menendez supporter Sue Laubach. “I think they, emotionally, were so destroyed.”

Many have also brought up the fact that when they were sentenced back in the 1990s there were different views and policies on sentencing depending on the case. Now, new laws have been put in place and more evidence can be shared. Considering they’ve been in prison for 28 years, the trial should be reopened and judged based on today’s standards.

“I would say they shouldn’t serve more than 40 years. Between now and another 10 years I think, is appropriate,” said Balestier.

Another thing that should be brought up is the unfairness of the second trial. After the first trial, the jury was split, and they failed to reach a verdict. Erik and Lyle were given a retrial, but the judge withheld much of the evidence that supported the brothers claim that they were abused. This upset so many who followed the case. They were given a second trial Oct. 1995 after a dragged out first trial, and the only evidence they had supporting their case was revoked. It was clear the judge had a bias, as many look back on the case now and can clearly see the signs.

“I don’t think they should spend their entire lives in prison because they were abused as children,” said Balestier. “That’s why they did it.”

While many were skeptical of the trial, and the brothers, at first, the documentary and new evidence found about the trial has opened a lot of people’s minds. Many people who support the brothers want Erik and Lyles’ case to be evaluated fairly.

This is exactly what happened. After many years, the brothers have been given a new chance to prove their innocence. The brothers’ case is currently being reviewed, and they’re hoping for a hearing in the next month or so. If the court rules in their favor, the Menendez brothers may walk free.

To sum up the immense amount of information that was shared in this article, the Menendez brothers should be free. There’s been new evidence found proving their sexual abuse, law systems have changed, and after being in jail for 28 years it’s time they’re released.