Menendez Murders Case Study

The Menendez Murders Childhood sexual abuse has been and continues to be a major issue in American society. Victims of such trauma can illustrate both short-term and long-term side effects, stemming from the damage endured during childhood. In severe cases, unresolved trauma of sexual abuse can have dire consequences. One of the most infamous and publicized case (cases) that illustrated these dire consequences was the Menendez murders of 1989.
The Murders On August 20, 1989, 15 shotgun blasts echoed through the neighborhood of Beverly Hills. Approximately 90 minutes later, a frantic 911 call was made by Lyle Menendez shouting “they shot and killed my parents!” Upon arrival, the police discovered Erik and Lyle Menendez hysterical

There are various sources of strain; for instance, strain as the presentation of negative stimuli (Brown, 2017). From a young age, Erik and Lyle were both exposed to their father’s controlling demeanor, aggressive tendencies and sexual assault. The presentation of negative stimuli appears to be the most fitting source of strain for the Menendez brothers. With that being said, there are additional sources of strain, yet in this case the presentation of negative stimuli appears to be the most

For instance, the presence of conventional social support, such as someone to talk to can influence how an individual respond to strain (Brown, 2017). On multiple occasions, Kitty was present during Jose’s aggressive outburst. For example, after Erik competed in a swimming competition, Jose humiliated him in front of his teammates. While the humiliation took place, Kitty stood nearby. Kitty was never known to stand up and protect her sons against her husband’s aggressive nature (Johnson, Soble, 1990). It is inferred that Kitty’s passive nature led the boys to believe they only had each other to lean on because they lacked support from their own mother. Lyle testified that his mother would often erupt into range, lash out, throw things, and scream phrases such as, “You’re a bastard” and “I wish you were never born!” The lack of conventional social support from their parents could have been a factor which caused the brothers to commit the murders in response to