Law & Order True Crime
When the Menendez brothers were tried on national TV for brutally killing their parents in Beverly Hills, their story became a national obsession. Now, the first edition of this anthology series delves into the players, the crime and the media circus, detailing the day-to-day battles of the trial and unveiling the shocking truth of what really went down when the cameras stopped rolling.
- Metascore57
- 2017-2017
- 1 season
- NBC
- Suspense, Drama
- TV-14
When the Menendez brothers were tried on national TV for brutally killing their parents in Beverly Hills, their story became a national obsession. Now, the first edition of this anthology series delves into the players, the crime and the media circus, detailing the day-to-day battles of the trial and unveiling the shocking truth of what really went down when the cameras stopped rolling.
Season 1 Episode Guide
8 Episodes 2017
Episode 1
The Menendez Murders: Episode 1
Tue, Sep 26, 2017 42 mins
The Menendez murders that shocked Beverly Hills.
Episode 2
The Menendez Murders: Episode 2
Tue, Oct 3, 2017 44 mins
Seemingly innocuous comments Lyle (Miles Gaston Villanueva) previously made about his parents come back to haunt him when detectives Zoeller (Sam Jaeger) and Linehan (Cliff Chamberlain) begin to interview the brothers' friends and acquaintances. Erik (Gus Halper), overcome by guilt, makes a shocking confession to his psychologist, Dr. Jerome Oziel (Josh Charles). Having overheard a therapy session with Lyle and Erik, Oziel's mentally unhinged mistress Judalon Smyth (Heather Graham) goes to the police with a pivotal tip after Oziel tries to cut ties with her to protect his family. As attorney Leslie Abramson (Edie Falco) learns more about the Menendez family dynamics, she makes a move to represent the brothers.
Episode 3
The Menendez Murders: Episode 3
Tue, Oct 10, 2017 41 mins
With Lyle (Miles Gaston Villanueva) and Erik (Gus Halper) in custody for suspicion of murder, defense attorney Leslie Abramson (Edie Falco) works tirelessly alongside Jill Lansing (Julianne Nicholson) to understand the motive that could drive two young men to commit such a heinous crime. Meanwhile, the prosecution puts Judalon Smyth (Heather Graham) on the stand to make a case for releasing Dr. Oziel's (Josh Charles) audio notes and tapes from his sessions with Lyle and Erik, despite standard doctor patient privilege. The ensuing media circus fueled by leaks from the District Attorney's office creates further complications for the defense and places the extended Menendez family at odds with one another.
Episode 4
The Menendez Murders: Episode 4
Tue, Oct 17, 2017 42 mins
After Erik and Lyle confess, their attorneys seek evidence to support the brothers' claims of abuse by their parents.
Episode 5
The Menendez Murders: Episode 5
Tue, Oct 24, 2017 43 mins
The trial of Lyle and Erik Menendez gets underway. Before the trial begins, Judge Weisberg grants a petition allowing the court proceedings to be broadcast on television.
Episode 6
The Menendez Murders: Episode 6
Tue, Oct 31, 2017 42 mins
The jury hears from Lyle (Miles Gaston Villanueva) and Erik (Gus Halper) for the first time when the brothers testify in court, recounting in detail the years of sexual abuse that led them to fear for their lives. Leslie (Edie Falco) makes a surprising move after Judge Weisberg (Anthony Edwards) approves the prosecution's request to unseal the tape of the brothers' confession to Dr. Oziel (Josh Charles). After closing arguments are made, the jury is left to determine a verdict. Meanwhile, Leslie finds a renewed purpose after she and her husband welcome their adopted son into their home.
Episode 7
The Menendez Murders: Episode 7
Tue, Nov 7, 2017 42 mins
The possibility of a mistrial leaves Leslie hopeful for the opportunity to work out a deal with the District Attorney's office. Meanwhile, D.A. Gil Garcetti takes action to counteract the declining public perception of the justice system; and Judge Weisberg's performance in the trial comes under intense media scrutiny given his record of hung juries and controversial verdicts.
Episode 8
The Menendez Murders: Episode 8
Tue, Nov 14, 2017 42 mins
During the second trial a controversial ruling by Judge Weisberg cripples Leslie's defense strategy and a final verdict seals the Menendez brothers' fate.
