Erik Menendez

The younger of the Menendez brothers, Erik grew up in the shadow not only of his domineering, controlling father, Jose Menendez, but of his older brother, Lyle Menendez. As did Lyle, Erik endured having his every action, acquaintance, activity and even thoughts micromanaged by his father. He was occasionally subject to high-pressure Q & A sessions during dinner, but not to the extent that Lyle was and he and his father weren't close. He was closer to his mother, Kitty Menendez, and endured her dramatic mood swings. Sensitive and shy, the pressure took a toll on him and he developed stomach pains, stuttering and habitual teeth-grinding. Feeling rejected by Jose, Erik found solace from Lyle, whom he adored and bragged to friends about. His school grades were only slightly above average and he didn't have many friends. Upon graduating from high school, Erik had wanted to attend college out of state, but Lyle's troubles at Princeton caused his parents to overrule it. Like Lyle, Erik became