The Menendez house now and what happened to it as Netflix series recreates grisly crime scene

There are very few factors surrounding the Menendez brothers case that hasn't fascinated viewers of the series and the follow up documentary.

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story still remains in the top ten most watched shows in the UK on the streaming platform nearly a month after initial release, and recreates events surrounding the killing of Jose and Kitty Menendez by their sons.

Erik and Lyle were jailed for life without parole for their crimes and as a result, lost access to the reported they were originally in line to receive. This included ownership of the family's property portfolio, a significant part of which was the family home in Beverley Hills where the murders took place.

But what happened to the home since? How much is it worth today? And why is it so popular on social media platforms on TikTok? Here's everything you need to know.

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The property on North Elm Drive has not been owned by the Menendez family since 1993.

Erik and Lyle's father Jose, purchased the house for $4m in 1988, just a year before his death.

The property was built in 1972 and saw a substantial redesign in 1984, directed by real estate mogul and Menendez family friend Mark Slotkin, who sold the home to them. at a loss after the killings, with all proceeds going towards money owed for the mortgage, costs and tax obligations.

Although it took a while to sell after the killings, with many prospective buyers avoiding owning a home that was the scene of such a grisly crime. According to House Beautiful, it went for around $3.6m and was bought by the co-creator of television series Murder, She Wrote, William Link.

Telecommunications executive Sam Delug then purchased the home for $3.7m in 2001, and undertook renovation work inside the property but left the exterior as it was.

It was next listed for sale at the end of 2023 at just under $20m valuation with an offer coming in at asking price at the beginning of this year.

However, it seems that deal didn't go through but Zillow states that the property exchanged hands in March 2024, eventually selling for $17m to the Lahijanis family .

Texas Ally real estate group report that since buying the home, the house has been gutted and is undergoing huge changes. A listing on property website Zillow described the house as: "Elegant Mediterranean-style villa... flawless 7 bed, 9 bath family home boasts high ceilings, a grand entry with a dramatic circular staircase, imported Italian limestone flooring, a gourmet kitchen complete with high-end appliances, and a walk-in pantry.

"The massive primary suite is complete with double baths and designer closets. The pool is surrounded by park-like grounds and a two-story guest house."

An image on the listing shows the TV room, where the shooting took place, while remodelled, appears to have retained a similar layout.

Following the Netflix series release and interest in the case rising on social media, TikTok users have been sharing videos online as they take a look around the property. One such post shows footage of someone walking around the estate and looking inside as much as they can.

Another imposes police crime scene footage alongside them walking around the home after most of the furnishings and fixtures have been ripped out.

It is not uncommon for fans to wish to visit an iconic location that inspired their favourite television series or film. However, there is a warning when it comes to places were real life events took place, particularly those of a sensitive nature.

Daniel Hasselbach, UK Country Manager of Bókun said: “The influence pop culture has on tourism is a fascinating phenomenon that continues to shape travel trends globally. We’ve witnessed this on multiple occasions with various shows and films such as Saltburn and One Day, where viewers seek to visit locations of on-screen stories."

Hasselbach adds that it might be more appropriate for viewers of the Monsters Netflix show to visit the property that was used as a filming location instead of the real life one. While the murders took place in Beverley Hills, the house used in the series was in Hancock Park, a different neighbourhood in Los Angeles, California.

He said: "While we know dark tourism is very popular, and there is clearly unprecedented interest in this location, we would always advise tourists to consider visiting the house used in the TV series over the real-life home.

"For those deeply invested, maybe just remember this was once the scene of a crime and to exercise respect for the property's new owners when visiting.”

Meanwhile, the Menendez brothers currently await a decision from the Los Angeles County District Attorney over new evidence presented to authorities. Relatives are expected to attend a news conference this week (October 16) and push for a resentencing of both Erik and Lyle which could see them released after more than thirty years behind bars.

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and The Menendez Brothers documentary are both available to stream on Netflix now