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During the initial trial in 1993, the abuse claims were prominent; however, during the following trial—which ultimately led to their conviction—the lawyers faced significant restrictions on the evidence and testimony they could present regarding this trauma.
The Brothers' Case and Conviction
The Menendez brothers, then aged 21 and 18, confessed to the murders of their parents, arguing that their actions were taken in self-defense against ongoing abuse. Despite their claims and the subsequent discussions surrounding their mental health and history of abuse, the jury found them guilty of first-degree murder, leading to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.