(CNN) – The fascination with true crime has turned into a widespread American hobby, driven by an overwhelming amount of true crime material available on podcasts and TV shows. Yet, some of these projects have led to real legal consequences.
The latest case capturing public attention involves the well-known trial of brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment for the deliberate murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home in 1989.
On Thursday, Los Angeles prosecutors announced they are examining new evidence related to the case as they prepare for a hearing next month. This evidence includes a letter written by Erik Menendez, now 53, which his lawyers claim supports their assertions that the brothers suffered years of sexual abuse at the hands of their father.
In their motion for a case review filed last year, the brothers’ attorneys also referenced the Peacock docuseries “Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed.” This series featured an interview with a former member of the band Menudo, who stated under oath that he was sexually abused by José Menéndez when he was around 14 years old.
Public interest in the Menendez case surged again after Ryan Murphy’s Netflix dramatization of the murders, titled “Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez.” Although the brothers have criticized the portrayal in this scripted series as inaccurate, their legal actions have drawn the attention of Kim Kardashian and others.
“So many people are now interested in the case and talking to me about the power of television and what it can do. It can bring to light something and unveil dark corners,” Murphy told Variety this week. “We gave them their moment in the court of public opinion.”
This isn’t the first instance where pop culture projects have led to legal developments. Here are some other noteworthy examples:
The renowned singer was acquitted in 2008 of charges related to child sexual abuse after a tape surfaced that prosecutors claimed depicted him engaging in sexual acts with a 14-year-old girl. However, the discussion around Kelly and the allegations of sexual misconduct continued for years.
Some of these stories were spotlighted in January 2019 with the release of “Surviving R. Kelly,” a gripping multi-episode docuseries featuring several women who accused Kelly of abuse, which he denied.
In July 2019, just months later, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois issued a 13-count indictment, which included charges of child pornography and obstruction of justice. Additionally, Kelly faced charges of sex trafficking in New York and attempts to influence a case in Atlanta in a five-count indictment from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. In August 2019, he was charged with engaging in prostitution with a minor in Minnesota concerning an alleged incident that took place in July 2001.
Kelly has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The reaction to “Surviving R. Kelly” was intense, resulting in a second season filled with additional allegations airing in January 2020.
Kelly was convicted on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges in 2021 and received a 30-year prison sentence. The disgraced R&B singer was also found guilty of charges of child pornography and enticement of a minor, to which he received a separate 20-year sentence.
The disappearance and eventual discovery of the body of 25-year-old photographer Teresa Halbach in October 2005 could have seemed like a local news story in Wisconsin if not for Netflix.
The streaming platform’s 2015 docuseries, “Making a Murderer,” detailed the story of Steven Avery and his nephew Brendan Dassey, who were arrested and convicted in connection with Halbach’s murder.
The 10-episode series gained such popularity that it sparked numerous online discussions, where viewers exchanged theories and interpretations regarding the crime and evidence.
A second season, titled “Making a Murderer: Part 2,” was launched in 2018.
Both Avery and Dassey received life sentences, although Dassey’s conviction was overturned in 2016.
Prosecutors appealed, and a federal appeals court later reinstated Dassey’s conviction.
Avery has made numerous unsuccessful appeals and motions over the years.
Both men continue to serve their sentences.
“The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst” is a notable true crime series that garnered headlines upon its release.
Durst, an eccentric real estate heir from New York, was arrested just before HBO (owned by CNN’s parent company) aired the series finale in March 2015.
The series investigated three cases linked to Durst: the unresolved disappearance of his wife, Kathie, in 1982; the execution of her friend, writer Susan Berman, in 2000; and the death and dismemberment of his neighbor, Morris Black, in Galveston, Texas, the following year.
Durst claimed he acted in self-defense in Black’s death and was arrested for Berman’s murder while the show’s first season was still airing.
He was convicted of premeditated murder in Berman’s case in 2021 and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Although Durst faced charges related to his wife’s death, he passed away in January 2022.
In April 2024, HBO aired a second season of “The Jinx.”
The “Serial” podcast not only sparked interest in the emerging media format but also resulted in the exoneration of a man convicted of the premeditated murder of his high school girlfriend.
Hosted by journalist Sarah Koenig, the 2014 podcast explored Adnan Syed’s conviction for the 1999 premeditated murder of Hae Min Lee while they were both seniors at Woodlawn High School in Baltimore County.
The first season set podcast records upon its release, achieving over 300 million downloads, according to the producers. Syed was serving a life sentence for first-degree murder, robbery, kidnapping, and false imprisonment.
The scrutiny surrounding the case, particularly regarding the defense Syed received, led to his conviction being overturned in September 2022.
Syed remains free while the case is under appeal.
The Impact of True Crime Media on Legal Developments
True Crime: An American Obsession
Being an armchair detective has become an American obsession, fueled by an abundance of true crime content on podcasts and television series. However, some of those projects have sparked real legal developments, as new evidence and narratives surrounding notorious cases emerge.
The Menendez Brothers Case
The high-profile case of brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez, convicted for the 1989 premeditated murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, has resurfaced in the media spotlight. Los Angeles prosecutors recently announced they are reviewing new evidence, including a letter written by Erik, alleging years of abuse suffered at the hands of their father.
The brothers’ case gained renewed interest thanks to the Peacock docuseries “Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed,” which featured allegations of sexual abuse against their father, adding a layer of complexity to the existing narrative.
Pop Culture’s Role in Legal Narratives
The brothers’ legal efforts caught the attention of several high-profile figures, including Kim Kardashian, as well as broad public interest following Ryan Murphy’s Netflix dramatization “Monsters: The Story of Lyle and Erik Menendez.” Murphy commented on the influence of such projects, emphasizing their ability to illuminate dark corners of the justice system.
Other Influential True Crime Projects
R. Kelly and “Surviving R. Kelly”
In January 2019, the docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly” shed light on the numerous allegations of sexual abuse against the singer, which sparked renewed legal actions. Following the series, the U.S. Attorney’s Office issued a 13-count indictment against Kelly, resulting in his conviction on federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges in 2021.
“Making a Murderer” and the Avery Case
The infamous case of Steven Avery, featured in Netflix’s “Making a Murderer,” captivated audiences and created a platform for public discussion around his conviction for the murder of Teresa Halbach. The series not only gained massive viewership but also influenced ongoing legal actions, including Avery’s appeals.
How Documentaries Can Influence Justice
These narratives highlight the ever-growing relationship between media portrayals and legal outcomes. As evidenced by the cases of the Menendez brothers, R. Kelly, and Steven Avery, true crime media can alter public perception and even prompt official reviews of court cases.
Case Studies of Media Influence in Legal Developments
Adnan Syed and the “Serial” Podcast
The successful podcast “Serial” explored the conviction of Adnan Syed for the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, garnering over 300 million downloads and leading to a reassessment of the case. In September 2022, Syed’s conviction was overturned amid questions about his defense.
The Jinx: Robert Durst’s Legal Battles
“The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst” not only chronicled Durst’s suspected involvement in several murders but also coincided with his arrest, making it a unique example of media directly impacting ongoing criminal proceedings. Following the airing of the series, Durst was convicted of murder in 2021 and received a life sentence.
Benefits and Practical Tips
- Increased Awareness: True crime media raises awareness of legal injustices and can impact public opinion.
- Legal Reviews: Projects can lead to the reopening of cases and new investigations based on presented evidence.
- Community Engagement: These narratives foster community discussions about justice reform and legal processes.
Conclusion
True crime media has proven to be a double-edged sword: while it informs and engages the public, it also poses challenges to the judicial system. Understanding its impact is crucial for anyone interested in contemporary legal debates.
Notable True Crime Series and Their Impacts
| Series | Focus | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Menendez + Menudo | Menendez Brothers | New evidence review |
| Surviving R. Kelly | R. Kelly’s misconduct | Legal indictment |
| Making a Murderer | Steven Avery | Public advocacy for appeals |
| Serial | Adnan Syed | Conviction overturned |
| The Jinx | Robert Durst | Conviction and sentence |
