Menendez trial

Erik Menendez, testifying in his murder retrial, says the shootings of his parents "were a rush."

Erik Menendez, testifying in his murder retrial, says the shootings of his parents “were a rush.”  (Lee Celano / Associated Press)

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March 20, 2012

Sixteen years ago, Erik and Lyle Menendez were convicted of murdering their parents. Their crimes were bloody, and the trials that followed -- with their often gruesome details -- created a national sensation. Story

Menendez trial

Dwight Van Horn, Los Angeles County sheriff’s fire arms examiner, demonstrates how to load and shoot a shotgun during the second murder trial for brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez.  (Michael Owen Baker / Associated Press)

Menendez trial

Defense attorney Leslie Abramson shows blood and gunshot wounds on the shirt belonging to Jose Menendez during the trial.  (Gus Ruelas / Associated Press)

Menendez trial

Lyle Menendez looks on as his former girlfriend, Jamie Pisarcik, testifies for the prosecution.  (Gus Ruelas / Associated Press)

Menendez trial

Defense attorney Barry Levin watches as Erik Menendez looks at negatives of photos taken by his father, including those of Erik’s 6th birthday party and nude photos of the boy.  (Reed Saxon / Associated Press)