The Menendez family’s Beverly Hills estate is a chilling reminder of a harrowing event in 1989 that captivated the nation. This luxurious mansion, where José and Kitty Menendez were murdered, remains largely intact, shrouded in its dark past.
Lyle and Erik Menendez fatally shot their parents while they were watching television, inflicting 14 gunshot wounds. Their father was shot five times, including a devastating point-blank shotgun blast to the back of his head. Their mother became a victim as well, suffering nine shotgun wounds while trying to escape.
At ages 21 and 18, the brothers confessed to the killings, claiming they feared for their lives due to their father’s alleged sexual abuse of Erik.
Originally purchased for $4 million in 1988, the Mediterranean-style mansion spans over 9,000 square feet and has become infamous due to its tragic history.
Beverly Hills, known for its celebrity inhabitants and opulent lifestyle, was rocked by the Menendez murders, marking a stark contrast to its usual air of safety and luxury.
Instead of being torn down, the estate at Elm Drive still stands, a haunting testament to its past. Since the murders, it has changed hands four times, most recently selling for $17 million in March 2024.
A friend of LAPD Sergeant George Ryan, who worked on the Menendez case, noted that the room where the crime occurred has since been fully renovated. “George told me it was completely restored with no traces left,” he added.
After the slayings, the house sold for just $3.6 million in 1991, significantly less than its previous valuation. Acclaimed mystery writer William Link reportedly bought the property in 1993, but it struggled to sell afterward due to its stigma.
“Typically, homes in Beverly Hills sell in three to six months, but the history of this property extended that,” one real estate expert explained. Link eventually sold it to a telecommunications executive in 2001 for $3.7 million.
Recently, the mansion was relisted in late 2023 with a price tag of nearly $20 million but ultimately sold for $17 million. Given the history, it’s common for sellers to adjust prices significantly to attract buyers.
When visiting the former Menendez home, the sight of plastic sheets covering it struck many as an unnecessary attempt to obscure its notoriety. “Let people see it,” one observer said. “You can’t hide the past, and addressing it might be more healing.”
Why Demolition Wasn’t an Option
Interestingly, the option to demolish the Menendez mansion was never on the table. Experts remark that the property remained well-preserved and unique, making it undesirable to tear down.
In contrast, properties like the one where Jeffrey Dahmer committed unspeakable acts were quickly demolished for community redevelopment purposes. However, simply demolishing a location doesn’t expunge the memories tied to it.
As of now, the average home price in this affluent area exceeds $9.1 million, reflecting a slight decrease from previous years. The Menendez mansion, however, continues to evoke both curiosity and unease, a piece of Beverly Hills history forever linked to tragedy.