Lyle Menéndez and Erik Menéndez killed their mother and father, José and Kitty Menéndez, in August 1989 after affected by alleged bodily, emotional and sexual abuse of their family. Though the brothers initially weren’t suspects within the case, police acquired a tip from one particular person whom the siblings hadn’t met earlier than. Find out how the Menéndez brothers bought caught, under.
How the Menendez Brothers Got Caught
Erik confessed his and Lyle’s crime to his therapist, Jerome Oziel, however the physician didn’t instantly inform the police. Instead, the psychologist knowledgeable his mistress on the time, Judalon Smyth, and he recorded a few of his, Erik and Lyle’s discussions.
After Jerome broke up with Judalon, she knowledgeable authorities about his audiotapes of the homicide confession. Although doctor-patient privilege was initially at play, a choose accepted the tapes as acceptable proof for the brothers’ trial as a result of Jerome claimed that Lyle threatened him.
What Did Judalon Smyth Say At the Menendez Trial?
According to the Los Angeles Times, Judalon claimed through the Menéndez trial that Jerome “brainwashed her, programmed her and left her victimized, frightened and traumatized.”
“She said she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and compared herself to a prisoner of war,” the publication reported in 1993. “From the stand, Smyth described once faking a suicide so Oziel could find her. She said she once made him an IOU for 500 sex acts. She once sent him a card inscribed, ‘If only hugs could be put into words.’”
Where Is Judalon Smyth Now?
Per her LinkedIn account, Judalon at the moment works as a technician AAA EMT service and is predicated in Beverly Hills, California. Her “about” part reads, “I am a low-key-high-energy person. I believe no one should work, but everyone should be engage in a productive passion that sustains their lifestyle and in some way benefits others. I have many facets and talents, so have had many careers depending on the adventure at hand.”
Where Are Lyle and Erik Menendez Now?
After being convicted of the homicide of their mother and father in 1996, Lyle and Erik had been sentenced to life in jail with out the potential for parole. They had been initially despatched to separate prisons in California however had been reunited in 2018 at San Diego’s Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility.
If you or anybody has been sexually abused, name the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A educated workers member will present confidential, judgment-free help in addition to native sources to help in therapeutic, recovering and extra.