The Menendez Brothers’ Case Was Reopened After 30 Years. The Monsters Stars Are Still Watching

Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story:

• Actors Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez portrayed Erik and Lyle Menendez, respectively, on the hit Netflix series Monsters in 2024.
• Both Koch and Chavez support the re-examination of the Menendez brothers’ case since the show aired.
• The actors remain connected to the Menendez brothers in their own ways and watch for developments in Erik and Lyle’s quest for freedom.

With Erik and Lyle Menendez awaiting a parole hearing that could pave the way for their release from prison, Monsters stars Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez are reflecting on their own roles in the siblings’ renewed chance at freedom.

Koch, 28, and Chavez, 25, played Erik and Lyle—the brothers convicted of the 1989 murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez—in the hit Netflix miniseries and recently spoke about their experience on The Envelope podcast. Bolstered largely by the duo’s performances, the show ignited renewed interest in the Menendez brothers’ case and their previous claims that their father had sexually abused them.

The nine-episode Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story debuted on the streaming service in September and attracted almost 32 million viewers in its first 11 days. The attention helped prompt then–Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón to recommend a resentencing for the Menendez brothers in October.

Even months after the series premiere, Koch and Chavez continue to closely monitor the brothers and their legal proceedings.

Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Lyle Menendez and Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez in Monsters

Koch spoke to Erik after the brothers’ resentencing

Koch, who previously spoke with Erik before the release of Monsters, attended a court hearing about the brothers’ resentencing on April 11 in Los Angeles. There, he met members of the Menendez family, including Erik’s wife, Tammi, and stepdaughter, Talia.

“It was pretty trippy, honestly, being in the courtroom, and they’re talking about the case, and the prosecutors are making their points. It was really strange and surreal, but I felt so lucky and happy to be there so I could just show my support,” Koch told The Envelope.

After repeated delays, the resentencing hearing for Lyle and Erik continued on May 13. The brothers watched virtually as a judge reduced their resentences, making them immediately eligible for parole.

Following the decision, Koch talked to Erik again and expressed excitement for the brothers’ prospects of release. He detailed Erik’s desire to advocate for prison reform—specifically for inmates sentenced to life without parole—and continue his prison beautification initiative called Green Space. The actor also emphasized he’d be there to support Erik should he go free.

“He’s still going to teach his programs. He’s going to be going to the prison a lot, and he’s just so passionate about that being what he wants to do,” Koch said. “That was just so inspiring and beautiful, and I want to help him in any way I can.”

The actor made clear his connection to the man he portrayed is one that will last. “I talked to Erik yesterday, and I just think he’ll always be a part of my life,” he said.

Chavez is proud of the show’s impact

For his part, Chavez hasn’t spoken to Lyle, who he played in Monsters. He’s also been careful about what he says publicly about the case. “It’s been really important to me to remain neutral because so much of what our show talks about is the way that media has an impact on our justice system,” Chavez told The Envelope. “I didn’t want to tip the scales in any of the interviews that I gave, because ultimately I think that it’s a jury of one’s own peers, not the court of public opinion.”

Watch Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix

Still, the actor has shared his thoughts on the increased scrutiny of the brothers’ story following the show’s release. He told People in October he was “very glad” their case received a reexamination.

“What I feel 100% confident saying is that [Lyle and Erik] didn’t have a fair chance at a second trial. The judge didn’t allow any of the evidence about sexual abuse to enter into the second trial,” Chavez explained, referencing the 1996 retrial that resulted in their murder convictions.

“And so really, you have the first case, which ended in a hung jury [in 1993], and then you have the second case [in 1996], which wasn’t really justice, was it? Because you didn’t allow all of the evidence to be entered,” he added.

Chavez revealed on The Envelope that during his audition process for the series, he took daily walks to the Menendez family home in Beverly Hills where the murders took place. “I don’t know what I thought that would give me,” he said. “I was just trying to align myself with the story, with the people, with the place as intimately as I possibly could.”

As with his other work, Chavez admitted he’ll likely be “married to” his Monsters character in some way for the rest of his life. “You get into being an artist, and you hope to be a part of some projects that have significant reach and impact people. And then, retrospectively about your career, you’d hope to be a part of [a] handful of projects that actually have social impact,” he said. “And, so, to be part of this limited series that repositioned a 30-year-old case and made people see it in a different light, and ultimately results in them getting a resentencing, and now it’s up to the parole board, it’s remarkable.”

Tyler Piccotti

News and Culture Editor, Biography.com

Tyler Piccotti joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor and is now the News and Culture Editor. He previously worked as a reporter and copy editor for a daily newspaper recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors. In his current role, he shares the true stories behind your favorite movies and TV shows and profiles rising musicians, actors, and athletes. When he's not working, you can find him at the nearest amusement park or movie theater and cheering on his favorite teams.