Featured Image Credit: Court TV / Netflix
Topics: Crime, True Crime, Netflix, TV And Film, Documentaries, US News
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Crime, True Crime, Netflix, TV And Film, Documentaries, US News
Warning: This article discusses sexual assault which some readers may find distressing
A tear-jerking moment from the newly-released Menendez brothers' documentary has gone viral on social media this week, after viewers were given a deeper glimpse into the reality of the trial that put Lyle and Erik behind bars.
Ever since director Ryan Murphy announced that the Beverly Hills brothers - who were sentenced to life in prison for the 1989 murders of their parents - would be the subject matter of the latest instalment of his eerie Monsters series, spectators have been left both fascinated and disturbed by the case.
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Lyle and Erik violently killed José and Mary Louise 'Kitty' Menendez with close-range shotguns at their Los Angeles home after being subjected to years of abuse of their father, whilst under the watchful eye of their mother.
Despite originally blaming the crime on the mafia, a tape-recorded confession Erik later gave to his therapist was obtained by police and the pair were tried in a televised court case.
Though the nine-part series professed to being a dramatic recreation of the murders - as well as the subsequent court case, which became a national sensation - it sparked a vastly mixed reception.
Many accused Netflix producers of either exaggerating or totally fabricating aspects of the brother's case, whilst many slammed Murphy's insensitivities.
The real-life Erik Menendez also accused the streaming service of including 'blatant lies', as well as a 'vile' portrayal of his brother Lyle.
Naturally, therefore, when Netflix producers announced days later that a documentary hearing the brothers discuss the realities of their case for the first time in over three decades, followers who have since joined the appeal for the brothers to be released were eagerly awaiting their response.
And on Monday, the chilling programme finally landed, with many viewers devastated to hear the brothers tell their own tale, as well as see footage from their testimonies in court.
Amongst the attention the documentary has since garnered is one moment which viewers have since described as 'bittersweet'.
In a clip from the show - which has since gone viral on Reddit - Lyle can be seen concluding his testimony, after which he appears to wink at his little brother Erik, who awaits him on the bench.
Taking to the advice forum after sharing the clip, one user wrote: "Lyle finishing his direct examination, and seems to wink down at Eric, perhaps some form of reassuring/comfort to Eric.
"It could also just be a tick in his eye that looks like a blink. Just wanted to share though, as I think it shows Lyle as a caring brother."
Chiming in, another penned: "I never noticed that before thanks for sharing, it looks like a wink to me.. There were several instances where he looked at Erik when he was testifying, when it hurt him to talk about something got to do with Erik or how something was affecting Erik, he adored his little brother."
A third went on: "Never noticed this small detail, I definitely think it was a wink. Its so bittersweet"
"Definition of a protector and big brother, despite everything. Heartbreaking. I’m so happy they are together again and pray for their freedom soon. They deserve to be out," a fourth added.
Despite the pair having been sentenced to life, two newly-discovered pieces of evidence supporting their sexual abuse claims also mean that the pair may be retried in the future, following a hearing in November.