1 00:00:00,317 --> 00:00:05,530 _ 2 00:00:06,492 --> 00:00:10,275 - sync and corrections by Zac - - www.addic7ed.com - 3 00:00:20,990 --> 00:00:22,557 Have you come to a decision? 4 00:00:22,592 --> 00:00:24,026 We went over all the evidence, 5 00:00:24,060 --> 00:00:26,395 but we just couldn't reach a consensus. 6 00:00:26,429 --> 00:00:28,130 We're at a complete deadlock. 7 00:00:28,164 --> 00:00:32,200 Then I have no choice but to declare a mistrial. 8 00:00:32,235 --> 00:00:33,969 The public is losing faith in us. 9 00:00:34,003 --> 00:00:35,404 I'm taking you off the case. 10 00:00:35,438 --> 00:00:36,805 David will handle the retrial. 11 00:00:36,839 --> 00:00:38,573 Leslie, I can't do another trial. 12 00:00:38,608 --> 00:00:41,376 My daughter has changed so much in the last four years, 13 00:00:41,411 --> 00:00:43,412 and I feel like I've missed it all. 14 00:00:43,446 --> 00:00:45,480 I have three calls tonight. 15 00:00:45,515 --> 00:00:47,683 Right. I'll connect you. 16 00:00:47,717 --> 00:00:49,318 Thanks, Norma. 17 00:00:49,352 --> 00:00:51,219 Your Honor, our motion to exclude testimony 18 00:00:51,254 --> 00:00:53,488 about the Menendez family history is before you. 19 00:00:53,523 --> 00:00:55,223 Your motion is granted. 20 00:00:55,258 --> 00:00:56,658 You can't do that. 21 00:00:56,693 --> 00:00:58,727 My defense is built on imminent fear. 22 00:00:58,761 --> 00:01:00,228 We're adjourned. 23 00:01:02,799 --> 00:01:04,166 Mmm. 24 00:01:05,468 --> 00:01:07,602 Good boy. 25 00:01:07,637 --> 00:01:09,237 Mommy loves you so much. 26 00:01:09,272 --> 00:01:11,406 Boy, the grosser it looks, the more he loves it. 27 00:01:11,441 --> 00:01:12,908 Man after my own heart. 28 00:01:12,942 --> 00:01:15,510 Tonight, a call that... 29 00:01:15,545 --> 00:01:17,212 Oh wait, turn that up. 30 00:01:17,214 --> 00:01:19,066 Martha Shelton of Falls Church, Virginia 31 00:01:19,068 --> 00:01:21,749 has been Lyle Menendez's phone pal for the last year. 32 00:01:22,310 --> 00:01:23,944 Shelton recorded those calls, 33 00:01:23,978 --> 00:01:25,846 and what she claims is on those tapes 34 00:01:25,880 --> 00:01:29,156 could send Lyle Menendez to the death chamber. 35 00:01:29,191 --> 00:01:32,267 Lyle told me that we had half the jury snowed, 36 00:01:32,302 --> 00:01:34,185 and now we just have to snow the other half. 37 00:01:34,187 --> 00:01:35,721 Oh, I don't believe this. 38 00:01:35,755 --> 00:01:37,155 He called his brother, Erik, a weakling, 39 00:01:37,190 --> 00:01:38,924 who only shot up a bookcase. 40 00:01:38,958 --> 00:01:40,926 - Do you know this woman? - I know of her. 41 00:01:40,960 --> 00:01:43,061 She raised money for Lyle's defense. 42 00:01:43,096 --> 00:01:44,663 By the authorities. 43 00:01:44,697 --> 00:01:46,665 The jury never would've come back hung. 44 00:01:46,699 --> 00:01:51,203 Lyle, I hope you get what you deserve. 45 00:01:51,237 --> 00:01:52,904 I never said any of that. 46 00:01:52,939 --> 00:01:55,741 Maybe I said we showed half the jury, but that's all. 47 00:01:55,775 --> 00:01:57,743 This woman says she has tapes. 48 00:01:57,777 --> 00:02:00,879 Lyle, if there is any chance that you told her something 49 00:02:00,913 --> 00:02:04,049 that could hurt you or Erik, you must tell us now. 50 00:02:04,083 --> 00:02:06,084 She's just mad because I didn't send money 51 00:02:06,119 --> 00:02:08,020 for her to come visit me. 52 00:02:09,055 --> 00:02:10,689 Martha Shelton? 53 00:02:10,723 --> 00:02:12,424 I'm Steven Calos from the city prosecutor's office. 54 00:02:12,458 --> 00:02:14,226 These gentlemen are from Los Angeles and they have 55 00:02:14,260 --> 00:02:17,029 a search warrant for some tape recordings of Lyle Menendez. 56 00:02:17,063 --> 00:02:19,398 They found three tapes in the storage bin. 57 00:02:19,432 --> 00:02:22,601 My source says they contain calls between Martha and Lyle, 58 00:02:22,635 --> 00:02:23,869 and with you. 59 00:02:23,903 --> 00:02:25,904 Oh, that sneaky little mouse. 60 00:02:25,938 --> 00:02:28,740 Well, that little mouse has a record. 61 00:02:28,775 --> 00:02:31,476 She served time at the Virginia State Penitentiary 62 00:02:31,511 --> 00:02:34,279 for check fraud. 63 00:02:34,313 --> 00:02:35,781 Mr. Conn refuses to supply us 64 00:02:35,815 --> 00:02:37,649 any discovery about Ms. Shelton. 65 00:02:37,683 --> 00:02:39,918 Not even a transcript of the tapes they seized. 66 00:02:39,952 --> 00:02:41,820 He's even being cute about whether he plans 67 00:02:41,854 --> 00:02:43,889 to call Ms. Shelton as a witness. 68 00:02:43,923 --> 00:02:45,657 Mr. Conn, cards on the table. 69 00:02:45,691 --> 00:02:47,592 Is she going to be a witness or not? 70 00:02:47,627 --> 00:02:50,562 Ms. Abramson, you will address your comments to me. 71 00:02:50,596 --> 00:02:53,065 Mr. Conn, is the prosecution planning 72 00:02:53,099 --> 00:02:55,467 on calling Ms. Shelton as a witness? 73 00:02:55,501 --> 00:02:56,902 At this point, no, Your Honor, 74 00:02:56,936 --> 00:02:58,470 but this is an ongoing investigation. 75 00:02:58,504 --> 00:03:00,172 See? Right there. He's being cute. 76 00:03:00,206 --> 00:03:02,507 If he admits he plans on calling this fraud artist 77 00:03:02,542 --> 00:03:05,777 as a witness, he needs to let us hear what's on those tapes. 78 00:03:05,812 --> 00:03:07,345 Your Honor, there's law, 79 00:03:07,380 --> 00:03:09,014 and then there's Ms. Abramson's rhetoric. 80 00:03:09,048 --> 00:03:11,583 Council for the defense labels everyone a witness. 81 00:03:11,617 --> 00:03:13,852 Your Honor, perhaps you should review the tapes 82 00:03:13,886 --> 00:03:15,921 and tell us what's on them. 83 00:03:15,955 --> 00:03:19,091 Mr. Conn, I order you to turn over the tapes for my review. 84 00:03:19,125 --> 00:03:21,293 We're adjourned. 85 00:03:26,365 --> 00:03:27,799 The tapes are a bust. 86 00:03:27,834 --> 00:03:29,634 There's nothing relevant on them, just gossip. 87 00:03:29,669 --> 00:03:32,137 Nothing about snowing half the jury. 88 00:03:32,171 --> 00:03:33,839 Martha's been blowing smoke. 89 00:03:33,873 --> 00:03:35,841 Maybe she's holding out on us. 90 00:03:35,875 --> 00:03:37,442 You're getting back on a plane with an arrest warrant. 91 00:03:37,477 --> 00:03:41,947 That'll smart her up. 92 00:03:41,981 --> 00:03:44,349 The police arrested me for obstructing their case. 93 00:03:44,383 --> 00:03:46,518 They wanted me to pull something out of the air 94 00:03:46,552 --> 00:03:48,520 that'll help them... well, I'm sorry, I don't have anything. 95 00:03:48,554 --> 00:03:50,789 The thing about "snow the jury"... 96 00:03:50,823 --> 00:03:52,457 Lyle was just joking around. 97 00:03:52,492 --> 00:03:54,459 You know, when Lyle's not murdering people, 98 00:03:54,494 --> 00:03:57,395 he's a pretty likeable guy. 99 00:03:57,430 --> 00:03:59,197 So ends her 15 minutes. 100 00:03:59,232 --> 00:04:01,133 Well, there's plenty more where she came from. 101 00:04:01,167 --> 00:04:04,035 Lyle and Erik have dozens of pen pals and phone pals. 102 00:04:04,070 --> 00:04:06,738 Any one of them could blow up in our face. 103 00:04:06,772 --> 00:04:09,241 I don't want any more surprises. 104 00:04:09,275 --> 00:04:11,409 I don't remember everyone I talk to. 105 00:04:11,444 --> 00:04:12,844 Mostly it was one call 106 00:04:12,879 --> 00:04:14,479 to thank them for thinking of me and Erik. 107 00:04:14,514 --> 00:04:15,881 And the ones you talk to regularly? 108 00:04:15,915 --> 00:04:17,716 Norma Novelli has their numbers. 109 00:04:17,750 --> 00:04:19,251 She's my switchboard. 110 00:04:19,285 --> 00:04:21,586 I call her and she places the long distance calls. 111 00:04:21,621 --> 00:04:23,989 There's only one person I'm serious with. 112 00:04:24,023 --> 00:04:25,023 Anna. 113 00:04:25,057 --> 00:04:26,224 Who is Anna? 114 00:04:26,259 --> 00:04:27,826 Anna Eriksson. 115 00:04:27,860 --> 00:04:30,762 We're engaged. It's a secret. 116 00:04:30,796 --> 00:04:33,064 We're gonna get married no matter what happens. 117 00:04:33,099 --> 00:04:37,335 Well, congratulations. 118 00:04:37,370 --> 00:04:39,504 I warned Lyle about Martha. 119 00:04:39,539 --> 00:04:41,173 She's just common trash, 120 00:04:41,207 --> 00:04:43,708 looking for a little glitter in her tawdry life. 121 00:04:43,743 --> 00:04:45,577 You ever listen in on his calls? 122 00:04:45,611 --> 00:04:47,012 No. 123 00:04:47,046 --> 00:04:49,080 Wouldn't be a trustworthy person if I did. 124 00:04:49,115 --> 00:04:52,951 But sometimes the girls call me to put them in touch with Lyle. 125 00:04:52,985 --> 00:04:55,720 I screen out the troublesome ones. 126 00:04:55,755 --> 00:04:57,689 Keeper of the gate. Thank you. 127 00:04:57,723 --> 00:04:59,224 I've two things in my life... 128 00:04:59,258 --> 00:05:02,060 my newsletter for the inmates and Lyle. 129 00:05:02,094 --> 00:05:03,762 We talk every day. 130 00:05:03,796 --> 00:05:05,430 I'm the only person that's not family who visits him. 131 00:05:05,464 --> 00:05:08,533 You find out who your friends are when you're in jail. 132 00:05:08,568 --> 00:05:10,202 You can say that again. 133 00:05:10,236 --> 00:05:13,038 Well, I see some overseas calls here. 134 00:05:13,072 --> 00:05:14,239 Yeah, Sweden. 135 00:05:14,273 --> 00:05:15,941 That's a girl he talks to a lot... Anna. 136 00:05:15,975 --> 00:05:17,609 She sometimes visits family in Stockholm. 137 00:05:17,643 --> 00:05:21,146 Right. Anna Eriksson, his fiancee. 138 00:05:21,180 --> 00:05:23,281 His fiancee? 139 00:05:23,316 --> 00:05:24,916 Yeah. 140 00:05:24,951 --> 00:05:27,819 Oh, right. Yeah. 141 00:05:27,853 --> 00:05:29,788 She's a model. Very pretty. 142 00:05:31,123 --> 00:05:32,591 Just, uh... 143 00:05:32,625 --> 00:05:35,126 see about getting you some, uh, cookies. 144 00:05:39,932 --> 00:05:43,835 Anyone ever tell you you have a big mouth? 145 00:05:43,869 --> 00:05:46,972 Ms. Novelli befriended Lyle Menendez four years ago. 146 00:05:47,006 --> 00:05:48,773 For the last two and a half years, 147 00:05:48,808 --> 00:05:50,408 she's recorded her calls with him. 148 00:05:50,443 --> 00:05:53,812 These tapes contain explosive new information 149 00:05:53,846 --> 00:05:56,414 about the guilt of Lyle and Erik Menendez, 150 00:05:56,449 --> 00:05:58,016 statements we feel the jury 151 00:05:58,050 --> 00:05:59,751 in the upcoming trial should listen to. 152 00:05:59,785 --> 00:06:01,453 Let me give you a small example 153 00:06:01,487 --> 00:06:03,255 of what's on these tapes. 154 00:06:03,289 --> 00:06:05,490 This is from a tape recorded during the first trial. 155 00:06:05,524 --> 00:06:07,626 Lyle says to Ms. Novelli... 156 00:06:07,660 --> 00:06:09,928 "Norma, buy me a yellow sweater. 157 00:06:09,962 --> 00:06:13,632 Ever see a violent man wearing a yellow sweater?" 158 00:06:13,666 --> 00:06:15,800 What other gems might be on those tapes? 159 00:06:15,835 --> 00:06:18,370 I don't know. It's three years. 160 00:06:18,404 --> 00:06:19,938 I didn't know she was taping me. 161 00:06:19,972 --> 00:06:21,773 She has always been in my corner. 162 00:06:21,807 --> 00:06:23,375 Did you ever give her a reason to think 163 00:06:23,409 --> 00:06:25,343 that you might have a romantic interest in her? 164 00:06:25,378 --> 00:06:26,878 No, why? 165 00:06:26,912 --> 00:06:30,448 I let it slip that you were engaged to Anna. 166 00:06:30,483 --> 00:06:32,384 - Oh, God. - I'm sorry. 167 00:06:32,418 --> 00:06:33,818 Is this bad? 168 00:06:38,782 --> 00:06:41,049 What do you mean, nothing? 169 00:06:41,083 --> 00:06:42,550 How can there be nothing on two and half years of tapes? 170 00:06:42,585 --> 00:06:44,352 It's just Lyle mouthing off. 171 00:06:44,387 --> 00:06:45,987 There's no evidence relating to the murders or the motive. 172 00:06:46,022 --> 00:06:47,188 Tapes are useless. 173 00:06:47,835 --> 00:06:49,676 Maybe not. 174 00:06:50,417 --> 00:06:52,566 Abramson doesn't know what's on those tapes. 175 00:06:52,601 --> 00:06:54,969 - Maybe we can bluff her. - Into doing what? 176 00:06:55,004 --> 00:06:57,806 Into keeping Lyle off the stand. 177 00:06:57,840 --> 00:06:59,274 Think about it. 178 00:06:59,308 --> 00:07:02,010 Didn't Novelli say she wanted to publish those tapes as a book? 179 00:07:02,044 --> 00:07:04,913 If she could find a publisher, why? 180 00:07:05,247 --> 00:07:08,116 Thanks to Court TV, they're celebrities. 181 00:07:08,150 --> 00:07:11,285 Well, it makes them targets for all these lonely women. 182 00:07:11,320 --> 00:07:14,789 Poor little boys preyed upon by rapacious women. 183 00:07:14,823 --> 00:07:17,425 Their abuse derailed their development. 184 00:07:17,459 --> 00:07:18,793 They don't have a baseline 185 00:07:18,827 --> 00:07:20,294 for making good judgments about people. 186 00:07:20,329 --> 00:07:22,063 They did pick you to be their lawyer, 187 00:07:22,097 --> 00:07:23,931 so their judgment can't be that bad. 188 00:07:23,966 --> 00:07:26,334 Well, let's not count our chickens. 189 00:07:26,368 --> 00:07:28,102 Good evening. 190 00:07:28,137 --> 00:07:30,304 More Menendez mania today as Dove Books announced 191 00:07:30,339 --> 00:07:32,840 it will publish the explosive transcripts 192 00:07:32,875 --> 00:07:34,909 of Norma Novelli's phone conversations 193 00:07:34,943 --> 00:07:36,477 with Lyle Menendez. 194 00:07:36,512 --> 00:07:38,780 The book promises sensational revelations 195 00:07:38,814 --> 00:07:40,782 about the Menendez murders. 196 00:07:40,816 --> 00:07:42,316 In other news... 197 00:07:42,351 --> 00:07:44,519 Everybody's cashing in. Gotta love this country. 198 00:07:44,553 --> 00:07:47,288 Well, I gotta wonder 199 00:07:47,322 --> 00:07:49,657 just how explosive those transcripts are. 200 00:07:49,691 --> 00:07:51,159 Your buddies in publishing, 201 00:07:51,193 --> 00:07:52,593 can they find out about this book deal? 202 00:07:52,628 --> 00:07:53,995 Specifically what? 203 00:07:54,029 --> 00:07:56,064 How much Dove paid Norma Novelli? 204 00:07:58,184 --> 00:08:00,033 _ 205 00:08:00,035 --> 00:08:01,536 The book was Lyle's idea. 206 00:08:01,570 --> 00:08:03,004 To show the other side of him. 207 00:08:03,038 --> 00:08:05,206 I asked him permission to tape our calls. 208 00:08:05,240 --> 00:08:08,342 He said yes, but he didn't want his lawyers to find out. 209 00:08:08,377 --> 00:08:11,846 I understood why when I heard some of the things he said. 210 00:08:11,880 --> 00:08:13,848 I found them very distressing. 211 00:08:13,882 --> 00:08:17,285 Thank you, Ms. Novelli. 212 00:08:17,319 --> 00:08:19,687 So, you and Lyle were gonna write this book together. 213 00:08:19,721 --> 00:08:21,489 - Is that right? - Yes. 214 00:08:21,523 --> 00:08:25,493 Lyle said when we do our book, I'd like to go on tour with it. 215 00:08:25,527 --> 00:08:27,195 Oh, that's nice. 216 00:08:27,229 --> 00:08:29,130 So, you and Lyle have some kind of a written contract? 217 00:08:29,164 --> 00:08:31,866 No, not in writing. It was a verbal agreement. 218 00:08:31,900 --> 00:08:34,335 So, you have it on tape? 219 00:08:34,369 --> 00:08:35,703 No. 220 00:08:35,737 --> 00:08:38,372 Hours and hours and hours of recordings, 221 00:08:38,407 --> 00:08:42,009 and Lyle never said he agreed to be taped? 222 00:08:42,044 --> 00:08:44,212 No, I-I don't think so. 223 00:08:44,246 --> 00:08:47,381 We've heard Mr. Conn refer to your recordings 224 00:08:47,416 --> 00:08:50,384 as explosive, and you've called them distressing. 225 00:08:50,419 --> 00:08:52,220 How much is Dove Books paying you 226 00:08:52,254 --> 00:08:57,058 to publish this explosive, distressing book? 227 00:08:57,092 --> 00:09:00,328 $12,500. 228 00:09:00,362 --> 00:09:02,663 That's it? 229 00:09:02,698 --> 00:09:06,367 Well, now that's distressing. 230 00:09:06,401 --> 00:09:07,768 No more questions. 231 00:09:07,803 --> 00:09:09,871 You may step down, Ms. Novelli. 232 00:09:09,905 --> 00:09:12,006 Your Honor, Ms. Novelli's recordings 233 00:09:12,040 --> 00:09:14,375 are a clear violation of California law 234 00:09:14,409 --> 00:09:17,278 requiring the consent of both parties being taped. 235 00:09:17,312 --> 00:09:18,746 I don't agree. 236 00:09:18,780 --> 00:09:20,281 As an inmate in a correctional institute, 237 00:09:20,315 --> 00:09:23,417 Mr. Menendez had no expectation of privacy 238 00:09:23,452 --> 00:09:24,886 in his communications. 239 00:09:24,920 --> 00:09:26,921 I'm going to admit the tapes into evidence. 240 00:09:26,955 --> 00:09:28,389 Without knowing what's on them? 241 00:09:28,423 --> 00:09:30,358 I am willing to bet that Dove Books 242 00:09:30,392 --> 00:09:33,261 would've paid a whole lot more than a measly 12,000 bucks 243 00:09:33,295 --> 00:09:36,097 if those tapes contained any explosive evidence 244 00:09:36,131 --> 00:09:37,765 relating to the murders. 245 00:09:37,799 --> 00:09:39,433 Mr. Conn? 246 00:09:39,468 --> 00:09:41,202 Your Honor, we're not finished with our review, 247 00:09:41,236 --> 00:09:42,770 but there is plenty of material 248 00:09:42,804 --> 00:09:44,939 to impugn Lyle Menendez's credibility. 249 00:09:44,973 --> 00:09:46,941 Well, if the tapes are to be admitted, 250 00:09:46,975 --> 00:09:50,444 it should just be to rebut Lyle's testimony. 251 00:09:50,479 --> 00:09:51,979 Mr. Conn? 252 00:09:52,014 --> 00:09:53,714 Very well, then. 253 00:09:53,749 --> 00:09:55,650 The tapes can only be admitted as rebuttal evidence 254 00:09:55,684 --> 00:09:59,754 in the event that Mr. Menendez testifies at trial. 255 00:10:05,661 --> 00:10:07,395 Good going. 256 00:10:07,429 --> 00:10:09,063 I don't know, I'm not actually sure we won anything. 257 00:10:10,933 --> 00:10:12,934 - Not guilty. - Not guilty! 258 00:10:12,968 --> 00:10:14,135 No way. 259 00:10:14,169 --> 00:10:15,436 He got away with it! 260 00:10:15,470 --> 00:10:16,637 - Not guilty. - Not guilty. 261 00:10:16,672 --> 00:10:17,672 Oh, my God. 262 00:10:17,706 --> 00:10:19,073 That's unbelievable. 263 00:10:19,107 --> 00:10:20,608 - O. J. - What? 264 00:10:20,642 --> 00:10:22,076 I can't believe this. 265 00:10:22,110 --> 00:10:25,980 - Is this for real? - Yes. 266 00:10:26,014 --> 00:10:27,648 The bluff worked. 267 00:10:27,683 --> 00:10:29,417 If Abramson puts Lyle on the stand, she runs the risk 268 00:10:29,451 --> 00:10:31,619 of having those tapes blow up in her smug face. 269 00:10:31,653 --> 00:10:32,987 This is a disaster. 270 00:10:33,021 --> 00:10:35,990 McMartin, Rodney King, and now O. J.? 271 00:10:36,024 --> 00:10:37,758 This office is a laughing stock. 272 00:10:37,793 --> 00:10:39,193 We need a win, David. 273 00:10:39,228 --> 00:10:41,963 Well, some of that's up to Weisberg. 274 00:10:41,997 --> 00:10:44,332 The O. J. verdict is a direct answer 275 00:10:44,366 --> 00:10:45,666 to the Rodney King acquittals, 276 00:10:45,701 --> 00:10:48,436 the case Weisberg fumbled. 277 00:10:50,806 --> 00:10:53,040 Don't they have to tell us what's on Norma's tapes? 278 00:10:53,075 --> 00:10:54,709 Only if they use them in trial. 279 00:10:54,743 --> 00:10:59,046 And they don't have to decide until after you testify. 280 00:10:59,081 --> 00:11:01,148 I don't know, I... 281 00:11:01,183 --> 00:11:02,783 Testifying about all that stuff... 282 00:11:02,818 --> 00:11:04,518 about my dad and mom... it was hard enough the first time. 283 00:11:04,553 --> 00:11:07,054 Frankly, it's risky to put you on the stand. 284 00:11:07,089 --> 00:11:09,290 You make any mistake, no matter how small, 285 00:11:09,324 --> 00:11:10,958 they're gonna drag out those tapes. 286 00:11:10,993 --> 00:11:12,693 Even your comment about the yellow sweater 287 00:11:12,728 --> 00:11:14,395 could be enough to turn the jury against you. 288 00:11:14,429 --> 00:11:17,198 So, you don't think he should testify? 289 00:11:17,232 --> 00:11:18,833 No, no, I don't. 290 00:11:18,867 --> 00:11:21,802 So, the jury won't hear from Lyle about the abuse? 291 00:11:21,837 --> 00:11:25,039 So, it'll be up to you, Erik, to tell the story. 292 00:11:25,073 --> 00:11:27,508 And I know you can do it. 293 00:11:27,542 --> 00:11:29,010 I can do it. 294 00:11:29,044 --> 00:11:31,912 Good. I will be right there with you. 295 00:11:31,947 --> 00:11:34,749 - I hope he's up to it. - I just hope it's enough. 296 00:11:34,783 --> 00:11:36,317 We got the family's testimony, 297 00:11:36,351 --> 00:11:38,152 the testimony about the psychological abuse... 298 00:11:38,186 --> 00:11:40,554 Quit reminding us how much Weisberg has screwed us. 299 00:11:40,589 --> 00:11:42,056 It's not about to end. 300 00:11:42,090 --> 00:11:43,724 Did you see this op-ed about the O. J. verdict? 301 00:11:43,759 --> 00:11:46,894 It draws a straight line right back to Rodney King 302 00:11:46,928 --> 00:11:47,928 and Weisberg. 303 00:11:47,963 --> 00:11:49,563 Dollars to donuts, 304 00:11:49,598 --> 00:11:51,065 Garcetti's behind it. 305 00:11:53,670 --> 00:11:55,552 _ 306 00:12:09,418 --> 00:12:10,918 Everyone. 307 00:12:10,952 --> 00:12:13,354 This is Anna, Lyle's fiancee. 308 00:12:13,388 --> 00:12:15,256 I'm so happy to meet you all. 309 00:12:15,290 --> 00:12:17,091 Lyle's told me how much you mean to him. 310 00:12:17,125 --> 00:12:19,627 You're just as pretty as Lyle said you were. 311 00:12:19,661 --> 00:12:21,195 Thank you. 312 00:12:27,135 --> 00:12:29,270 All rise. 313 00:12:34,476 --> 00:12:35,609 Be seated. 314 00:12:40,148 --> 00:12:41,749 Good morning. 315 00:12:45,087 --> 00:12:46,787 Bring in the jury. 316 00:12:46,822 --> 00:12:49,457 Here we go. 317 00:12:52,527 --> 00:12:56,897 We thought our parents were gonna come out and kill us. 318 00:12:56,932 --> 00:12:59,767 So, we went down the hallway... 319 00:12:59,801 --> 00:13:03,270 Uh, we opened the doors. 320 00:13:03,305 --> 00:13:07,808 They were standing and... 321 00:13:07,843 --> 00:13:11,612 And we shot them. 322 00:13:11,646 --> 00:13:15,015 Mr. Menendez, after all the abuse 323 00:13:15,050 --> 00:13:16,784 that you described over these last weeks, 324 00:13:16,818 --> 00:13:22,356 do you feel you were justified in killing your parents? 325 00:13:22,391 --> 00:13:24,825 I was not. 326 00:13:24,860 --> 00:13:27,328 Were you in fear when you killed them? 327 00:13:27,362 --> 00:13:29,029 Yes. 328 00:13:29,064 --> 00:13:31,766 Why did you kill them? 329 00:13:31,800 --> 00:13:35,669 Because I thought they were gonna kill me. 330 00:13:40,308 --> 00:13:41,609 Why, then, don't you think 331 00:13:41,643 --> 00:13:44,145 you were justified in killing them? 332 00:13:44,179 --> 00:13:48,015 Because... 333 00:13:48,049 --> 00:13:51,185 Because they were my parents. 334 00:13:51,219 --> 00:13:53,854 There were no guns in that room. 335 00:13:53,889 --> 00:13:56,891 And I realize that now, 336 00:13:56,925 --> 00:14:00,242 that it was a horrible mistake. 337 00:14:07,569 --> 00:14:09,570 Your Honor, we object the defense's use 338 00:14:09,604 --> 00:14:12,206 of imperfect self-defense. It does not apply in this case. 339 00:14:12,240 --> 00:14:13,908 I was wondering the same thing. 340 00:14:13,942 --> 00:14:17,378 Your Honor, this is the same case as the first trial, 341 00:14:17,412 --> 00:14:19,213 when you allowed imperfect self-defense. 342 00:14:19,247 --> 00:14:20,648 Now, that the case is going to the jury, 343 00:14:20,682 --> 00:14:22,583 is not the time to reconsider. 344 00:14:22,617 --> 00:14:25,419 I wanna talk about the requirement that the defendant 345 00:14:25,454 --> 00:14:28,222 must believe that lethal threat to him is imminent. 346 00:14:28,256 --> 00:14:29,690 Yes, that's the requirement. 347 00:14:29,724 --> 00:14:31,525 Precipitate the use of deadly force. 348 00:14:31,560 --> 00:14:33,894 Well, it's not for the defendant to decide 349 00:14:33,929 --> 00:14:35,496 what imminent means. 350 00:14:35,530 --> 00:14:37,398 Your Honor, imperfect self-defense allows 351 00:14:37,432 --> 00:14:39,667 for the defendant's unreasonable belief 352 00:14:39,701 --> 00:14:41,268 that the lethal threat is imminent. 353 00:14:41,303 --> 00:14:43,404 I don't think there's substantial evidence 354 00:14:43,438 --> 00:14:46,907 of imminent danger to justify instructing the jury 355 00:14:46,942 --> 00:14:48,342 on imperfect self-defense. 356 00:14:48,376 --> 00:14:50,244 You... 357 00:14:50,278 --> 00:14:53,414 Your Honor, we have built our entire case on this. 358 00:14:53,448 --> 00:14:55,549 The jury has heard us build up to this 359 00:14:55,584 --> 00:14:56,851 for the last four months. 360 00:14:56,885 --> 00:14:58,686 What the defendant said 361 00:14:58,720 --> 00:15:01,889 does not constitute imminent danger. 362 00:15:01,923 --> 00:15:05,192 So, the court is saying that the belief that at any second, 363 00:15:05,227 --> 00:15:06,861 people could come out of a room, 364 00:15:06,895 --> 00:15:08,229 guns blazing, and shoot you 365 00:15:08,263 --> 00:15:10,064 is not fear of imminent danger? 366 00:15:10,098 --> 00:15:11,565 Is that what the court is saying? 367 00:15:11,600 --> 00:15:14,068 For the application of imperfect self-defense, 368 00:15:14,102 --> 00:15:16,370 that is not imminent danger. 369 00:15:16,404 --> 00:15:17,538 Now, let's move on. 370 00:15:17,572 --> 00:15:19,406 No, Your Honor, we can't... 371 00:15:19,441 --> 00:15:21,208 Ms. Abramson, I do not wanna hear more from you on this. 372 00:15:21,243 --> 00:15:22,943 Moving on. 373 00:15:28,617 --> 00:15:31,118 Okay, I will prepare the final instructions 374 00:15:31,152 --> 00:15:33,621 and read them to the jury accordingly. 375 00:15:44,666 --> 00:15:48,435 We, the jury, find Joseph Lyle Menendez 376 00:15:48,470 --> 00:15:50,804 guilty of murder in the first degree 377 00:15:50,839 --> 00:15:54,008 of Jose Menendez and Mary Louise Menendez, 378 00:15:54,042 --> 00:15:55,976 in violation of section 187A 379 00:15:56,011 --> 00:15:59,780 of the penal code of the state of California. 380 00:15:59,814 --> 00:16:04,652 We, the jury, find Erik Galen Menendez 381 00:16:04,686 --> 00:16:07,254 guilty of murder in the first degree 382 00:16:07,289 --> 00:16:10,457 of Jose Menendez and Mary Louise Menendez, 383 00:16:10,492 --> 00:16:13,494 in violation of section 187A 384 00:16:13,528 --> 00:16:16,096 of the penal code of the state of California. 385 00:16:16,131 --> 00:16:17,831 Thank you. 386 00:16:17,866 --> 00:16:19,833 The jury can return to the jury room. 387 00:16:19,868 --> 00:16:22,336 Court will recess. We will reconvene in one hour 388 00:16:22,370 --> 00:16:25,973 to discuss the scheduling of the penalty phase. 389 00:16:28,910 --> 00:16:30,511 Good job. 390 00:16:30,545 --> 00:16:32,546 This is not over, not by a long shot. 391 00:16:32,581 --> 00:16:34,848 Okay? We can still fight. 392 00:16:37,819 --> 00:16:42,723 Well, now their lives really are in imminent danger. 393 00:16:47,671 --> 00:16:49,972 They transferred us to a more secure unit. 394 00:16:50,006 --> 00:16:51,473 They put us on suicide watch. 395 00:16:51,508 --> 00:16:53,108 And we have to wear leg chains now. 396 00:16:53,143 --> 00:16:56,078 Yeah, it's a whole new ball game now that you've been convicted. 397 00:16:56,267 --> 00:16:58,135 I am sorry. I have let you both down. 398 00:16:58,169 --> 00:17:00,070 Don't say that. We know you didn't. 399 00:17:00,104 --> 00:17:02,406 We just wanna know what's gonna happen to us. 400 00:17:02,440 --> 00:17:05,242 One way or the other, it's okay with us. 401 00:17:05,276 --> 00:17:07,911 But we've been waiting six years and we just wanna know. 402 00:17:07,946 --> 00:17:09,713 Well, don't give up. 403 00:17:09,747 --> 00:17:11,782 Your family's finally gonna get a chance to tell the jury 404 00:17:11,816 --> 00:17:14,384 what kind of young men you are, what your childhood was like. 405 00:17:14,419 --> 00:17:17,287 Everything that Weisberg kept out of the trial 406 00:17:17,322 --> 00:17:20,257 can now be said in the penalty phase. 407 00:17:20,291 --> 00:17:23,894 People who love you are gonna fight for your lives, 408 00:17:23,928 --> 00:17:25,762 but you have to fight too. 409 00:17:34,372 --> 00:17:36,506 Mama? 410 00:17:37,675 --> 00:17:39,142 Ma. 411 00:17:39,177 --> 00:17:44,114 Mama? 412 00:17:44,148 --> 00:17:48,185 The sky opened up, Marta. 413 00:17:48,219 --> 00:17:50,087 It's just a bad dream, Mama. 414 00:17:51,856 --> 00:17:53,991 God was calling for us. 415 00:17:54,025 --> 00:17:56,827 I saw Jose. Kitty. 416 00:17:56,861 --> 00:18:01,164 I saw Christ himself. 417 00:18:01,199 --> 00:18:03,100 Did you see everything, Mama? 418 00:18:03,134 --> 00:18:06,103 Yeah. 419 00:18:06,137 --> 00:18:08,472 And did you ask God for forgiveness? 420 00:18:08,506 --> 00:18:11,208 For making Jose the man that he was? 421 00:18:19,150 --> 00:18:21,618 Go back to sleep, Mama. 422 00:18:26,357 --> 00:18:28,025 My son is flying in tonight. 423 00:18:28,059 --> 00:18:29,493 He's ready to testify. 424 00:18:29,527 --> 00:18:32,696 My daughters have been waiting months to speak to the jury. 425 00:18:32,730 --> 00:18:34,698 Well, now they'll have the chance. 426 00:18:34,932 --> 00:18:37,033 Marta, there's some points in your testimony 427 00:18:37,068 --> 00:18:38,335 I need to clarify. 428 00:18:38,369 --> 00:18:40,303 - Let's go into my office. - Okay. 429 00:18:49,981 --> 00:18:54,584 Joan, is there something else you wanna tell me? 430 00:18:54,619 --> 00:18:57,287 My father was a violent man. 431 00:18:57,321 --> 00:18:59,623 Our home was chaos, 432 00:18:59,657 --> 00:19:03,226 and Kitty was just a child. 433 00:19:03,261 --> 00:19:05,562 She was molested 434 00:19:05,596 --> 00:19:09,699 by someone in the family. 435 00:19:09,734 --> 00:19:11,534 Oh, God. 436 00:19:11,569 --> 00:19:13,103 It changed Kitty, 437 00:19:13,137 --> 00:19:17,774 and I don't think I ever saw her truly happy again. 438 00:19:23,080 --> 00:19:25,282 Took only two verses of "Yellow Submarine" 439 00:19:25,316 --> 00:19:28,118 to get him back to sleep. 440 00:19:28,152 --> 00:19:31,821 How's your opening coming? 441 00:19:31,856 --> 00:19:33,423 No, I can't stop thinking about 442 00:19:33,457 --> 00:19:35,759 what Kitty's sister told me. 443 00:19:35,793 --> 00:19:38,495 Kitty's own abuse explains 444 00:19:38,529 --> 00:19:40,430 why she would allow her sons to be abused, 445 00:19:40,464 --> 00:19:45,435 even why she abused them herself. 446 00:19:45,469 --> 00:19:46,803 To quote Philip Larkin, 447 00:19:46,837 --> 00:19:50,473 man hands on misery to man... 448 00:19:50,508 --> 00:19:53,643 Until somebody breaks the cycle. 449 00:19:53,678 --> 00:19:55,478 One way or the other. 450 00:19:57,400 --> 00:20:01,140 _ 451 00:20:08,693 --> 00:20:12,762 It is an extraordinary task 452 00:20:12,797 --> 00:20:15,532 that our law puts in your hands. 453 00:20:15,566 --> 00:20:17,767 I don't have any idea what it's like 454 00:20:17,802 --> 00:20:21,538 to make a decision to take another person's life. 455 00:20:21,572 --> 00:20:25,308 I haven't a clue. 456 00:20:25,343 --> 00:20:26,976 Even though I'm a murder lawyer, 457 00:20:27,011 --> 00:20:30,847 this is, in fact, only the second time in my career 458 00:20:30,881 --> 00:20:32,649 that I've ever actually had a penalty phase. 459 00:20:32,683 --> 00:20:38,683 So, I'm not particularly expert at even arguing it. 460 00:20:38,989 --> 00:20:43,226 People have said, just speak from your heart. 461 00:20:43,260 --> 00:20:47,330 Uh, frankly, my heart is too full of Erik Menendez. 462 00:20:47,365 --> 00:20:50,066 I've been his lawyer for six years. 463 00:20:50,101 --> 00:20:52,135 I care about him. I make no bones about it. 464 00:20:52,169 --> 00:20:54,637 And if I try to speak from my heart, 465 00:20:54,672 --> 00:20:57,340 frankly, I don't think I will talk very effectively. 466 00:20:57,375 --> 00:21:01,244 So now, our task is to show you 467 00:21:01,278 --> 00:21:05,382 that this is not a case where the interests of society 468 00:21:05,416 --> 00:21:07,584 or of your own conscience 469 00:21:07,618 --> 00:21:11,388 would be served by imposing a death verdict. 470 00:21:11,422 --> 00:21:14,190 These things are not decided by computers... 471 00:21:14,225 --> 00:21:15,925 Let's get on to the opening. 472 00:21:15,960 --> 00:21:17,727 Your Honor, may I please speak? 473 00:21:17,762 --> 00:21:19,696 No, we've had enough references to matters 474 00:21:19,730 --> 00:21:22,232 outside the purpose of the opening statement. 475 00:21:22,266 --> 00:21:25,502 Yes, Your Honor, I am simply trying to explain to the jury... 476 00:21:25,536 --> 00:21:27,504 Either you'll make your opening statement 477 00:21:27,538 --> 00:21:30,440 in conformity with my direction, 478 00:21:30,474 --> 00:21:32,041 or you won't make a statement. 479 00:21:37,782 --> 00:21:41,084 Erik and Lyle were adorable boys. 480 00:21:41,118 --> 00:21:43,887 We used to hug them and play with them. 481 00:21:43,921 --> 00:21:45,422 And Kitty would say to me, 482 00:21:45,456 --> 00:21:46,923 you're so lucky to have girls. 483 00:21:46,957 --> 00:21:48,758 I'm stuck with these two boys. 484 00:21:48,793 --> 00:21:51,027 She would say that right in front of them. 485 00:21:51,061 --> 00:21:53,096 She was very negative towards them. 486 00:21:53,130 --> 00:21:56,065 Was your brother also very negative in how he talked to his sons? 487 00:21:56,100 --> 00:21:58,701 Jose laughed at Erik all the time 488 00:21:58,736 --> 00:22:00,470 because he wasn't as strong as Lyle. 489 00:22:00,504 --> 00:22:03,606 He would call him weak, idiot, crybaby 490 00:22:03,641 --> 00:22:05,775 in front of everybody. 491 00:22:05,810 --> 00:22:08,311 Erik was only eight. He would start crying. 492 00:22:08,345 --> 00:22:12,081 Did you notice a change in Erik's personality at this time? 493 00:22:12,116 --> 00:22:13,650 When he came to stay at my house 494 00:22:13,684 --> 00:22:15,785 in my son Andy's room, 495 00:22:15,820 --> 00:22:18,955 he would lock the door at every opportunity. 496 00:22:18,989 --> 00:22:21,791 He told my son, Andy, you don't know how lucky you are 497 00:22:21,826 --> 00:22:24,928 to have locks on your doors. 498 00:22:24,962 --> 00:22:26,996 It was a family gathering. 499 00:22:27,031 --> 00:22:30,400 Lyle was five. He was running around. 500 00:22:30,434 --> 00:22:33,169 Jose just grabbed him by the arm. 501 00:22:33,204 --> 00:22:35,772 He said something to Lyle that I couldn't hear. 502 00:22:35,806 --> 00:22:37,974 Did you see Lyle's reaction? 503 00:22:38,008 --> 00:22:41,244 He wetted himself. He looked very pale. 504 00:22:41,278 --> 00:22:42,779 He didn't say a word. 505 00:22:42,813 --> 00:22:44,814 Jose marched him to his room. 506 00:22:44,849 --> 00:22:46,983 I didn't like that at all, so I followed them. 507 00:22:47,017 --> 00:22:49,652 When I entered the bedroom, 508 00:22:49,687 --> 00:22:55,658 Jose was punching Lyle in the upper abdomen. 509 00:22:55,693 --> 00:22:57,193 Lyle was gasping for air. 510 00:22:57,228 --> 00:22:59,662 Was the punch with an open hand? 511 00:22:59,697 --> 00:23:01,331 No, ma'am. 512 00:23:01,365 --> 00:23:03,466 Fist closed. 513 00:23:08,372 --> 00:23:09,706 When I first saw Erik, 514 00:23:09,740 --> 00:23:11,941 he had a whole cluster of symptoms. 515 00:23:11,976 --> 00:23:14,844 He felt the abuse was his fault. 516 00:23:14,879 --> 00:23:17,847 He felt worthless and stupid and 517 00:23:17,882 --> 00:23:19,349 maybe if he was killed, 518 00:23:19,383 --> 00:23:21,017 somebody would say something nice about him. 519 00:23:21,051 --> 00:23:22,852 But he's not that way now, is he? 520 00:23:22,887 --> 00:23:25,021 No. 521 00:23:25,055 --> 00:23:26,623 He's had a lot of treatment. 522 00:23:26,657 --> 00:23:28,725 A lot of support from his extended family, 523 00:23:28,759 --> 00:23:32,328 his friends, and I think he's been re-parented by you. 524 00:23:32,363 --> 00:23:33,963 What does re-parenting mean? 525 00:23:33,998 --> 00:23:35,899 Erik never had the kind of parenting that, 526 00:23:35,933 --> 00:23:38,034 praise God, most of us have had. 527 00:23:38,068 --> 00:23:40,403 Then in comes somebody who really cares about him, 528 00:23:40,437 --> 00:23:42,505 who sees him almost every day. 529 00:23:42,540 --> 00:23:44,874 Erik took that nurturing and got stronger, 530 00:23:44,909 --> 00:23:46,709 less out of control. 531 00:23:46,744 --> 00:23:49,379 What is your opinion about his potential 532 00:23:49,413 --> 00:23:51,881 for doing positive things? 533 00:23:51,916 --> 00:23:53,716 I think the prospect is excellent. 534 00:23:53,751 --> 00:23:56,052 He's interested in reaching out to the child abuse community, 535 00:23:56,086 --> 00:23:58,221 to tell other victims to ask for help 536 00:23:58,255 --> 00:24:00,924 instead of taking the path of destruction. 537 00:24:00,958 --> 00:24:02,892 Are you saying, Doctor, 538 00:24:02,927 --> 00:24:05,061 that Erik alleged that his mother threatened to kill him? 539 00:24:05,095 --> 00:24:06,696 It was more statements like, 540 00:24:06,730 --> 00:24:08,531 you are the cause of all the problems. 541 00:24:08,566 --> 00:24:10,433 I wish you were never born. 542 00:24:10,467 --> 00:24:11,868 Ah. 543 00:24:11,902 --> 00:24:14,070 Let me direct you to page 35 544 00:24:14,104 --> 00:24:16,506 of the notes you made during Erik's treatment. 545 00:24:16,540 --> 00:24:20,076 Can you tell us what the first line at the top there says? 546 00:24:20,110 --> 00:24:21,277 It says, 547 00:24:21,312 --> 00:24:22,946 "I couldn't stand being around my mother." 548 00:24:22,980 --> 00:24:28,284 "Thought I didn't love her." 549 00:24:28,319 --> 00:24:30,086 My copy of your notes doesn't say "thought." 550 00:24:30,120 --> 00:24:32,889 It just says, "Didn't love her." 551 00:24:35,392 --> 00:24:36,626 That's interesting. 552 00:24:36,660 --> 00:24:38,928 It says "thought" here in my notes, 553 00:24:38,963 --> 00:24:40,229 but not on your copy, 554 00:24:40,264 --> 00:24:41,864 so it's obviously something I wrote 555 00:24:41,899 --> 00:24:43,399 when I reviewed my notes. 556 00:24:43,434 --> 00:24:45,535 I made maybe two dozen changes. 557 00:24:45,569 --> 00:24:47,937 Ah. 558 00:24:47,972 --> 00:24:52,208 Doctor, when did you add the word "thought" to your copy? 559 00:24:52,242 --> 00:24:54,811 I was going over my notes with Ms. Abramson, 560 00:24:54,845 --> 00:24:56,613 preparing to testify... 561 00:24:56,647 --> 00:24:58,381 You were modifying the notes of your original interview 562 00:24:58,415 --> 00:25:00,083 of Erik with Ms. Abramson? 563 00:25:00,117 --> 00:25:02,719 Well, at her request to clarify and eliminate material 564 00:25:02,753 --> 00:25:04,120 that was prejudicial. 565 00:25:04,154 --> 00:25:05,722 Objection, the witness misstates. 566 00:25:05,756 --> 00:25:06,956 The material had already been ruled 567 00:25:06,991 --> 00:25:08,391 inadmissible by the court. 568 00:25:08,425 --> 00:25:09,926 Overruled. 569 00:25:09,960 --> 00:25:11,060 This line of questioning is irrelevant... 570 00:25:11,095 --> 00:25:12,962 Overruled, Ms. Abramson. 571 00:25:12,997 --> 00:25:15,098 Your Honor, I ask the court to inquire Ms. Abramson 572 00:25:15,132 --> 00:25:16,733 why she tampered with Dr. Vicary's notes... 573 00:25:16,767 --> 00:25:18,434 Objection. 574 00:25:18,469 --> 00:25:20,303 And improperly withheld evidence from the prosecution. 575 00:25:20,337 --> 00:25:21,771 Deputy, take the jury out. 576 00:25:21,805 --> 00:25:23,439 I object to Mr. Conn's characterizations. 577 00:25:23,474 --> 00:25:24,941 We didn't withhold anything. 578 00:25:24,975 --> 00:25:27,510 The prosecution has the original notes. 579 00:25:27,544 --> 00:25:30,279 Ms. Abramson, I want information from you 580 00:25:30,314 --> 00:25:33,650 about the history of these notes from Dr. Vicary. 581 00:25:37,054 --> 00:25:39,188 Your Honor, I am prepared to answer your questions 582 00:25:39,223 --> 00:25:41,124 about Dr. Vicary's notes in chambers 583 00:25:41,158 --> 00:25:42,792 without the prosecution present. 584 00:25:42,826 --> 00:25:44,827 I am not interested in giving Mr. Conn 585 00:25:44,862 --> 00:25:47,463 information he would not otherwise be entitled to. 586 00:25:47,498 --> 00:25:48,998 That is not a response. 587 00:25:49,033 --> 00:25:51,200 Open court is not the appropriate forum 588 00:25:51,235 --> 00:25:52,835 for this inquiry. 589 00:25:52,870 --> 00:25:54,804 These matters will be dealt with in open court. 590 00:25:54,838 --> 00:25:56,806 I want your response now. 591 00:25:59,543 --> 00:26:01,444 What does he want me to do? Please the fifth? 592 00:26:01,478 --> 00:26:02,845 I didn't do anything wrong. 593 00:26:02,880 --> 00:26:04,213 It doesn't matter what you say. 594 00:26:04,248 --> 00:26:05,682 He's gonna burn you with the jury. 595 00:26:05,716 --> 00:26:07,183 Ms. Abramson. 596 00:26:07,217 --> 00:26:08,851 Again, I will answer your questions about 597 00:26:08,886 --> 00:26:11,688 Dr. Vicary's notes in chambers. 598 00:26:11,722 --> 00:26:14,891 You persist on defying me? 599 00:26:14,925 --> 00:26:17,060 Let's bring the jury back in. 600 00:26:17,094 --> 00:26:19,062 Your Honor, the last thing the jury heard 601 00:26:19,096 --> 00:26:21,397 was Mr. Conn accusing Ms. Abramson 602 00:26:21,432 --> 00:26:22,832 of tampering with evidence. 603 00:26:22,866 --> 00:26:24,467 We ask that you instruct the jury 604 00:26:24,501 --> 00:26:26,302 that there was no misconduct on Ms. Abramson's part. 605 00:26:26,336 --> 00:26:28,071 I can't give that... 606 00:26:28,105 --> 00:26:29,639 The jury's not to infer that she did anything improper. 607 00:26:29,673 --> 00:26:31,340 I can't give that instruction 608 00:26:31,375 --> 00:26:33,643 because Ms. Abramson refuses to answer my questions. 609 00:26:33,677 --> 00:26:36,579 You're putting the defendants at an unfair disadvantage 610 00:26:36,613 --> 00:26:39,215 by allowing this cloud to hang over Ms. Abramson. 611 00:26:39,249 --> 00:26:41,217 I am ready to bring the jury back in. 612 00:26:41,251 --> 00:26:43,152 No, Your Honor, one moment. 613 00:26:43,187 --> 00:26:46,022 Please. 614 00:26:46,056 --> 00:26:48,091 Okay, Weisberg's leaving us no choice. 615 00:26:48,125 --> 00:26:50,560 He's treating you like crap the entire trial. 616 00:26:50,594 --> 00:26:52,695 He's made sure that you're damaged goods 617 00:26:52,730 --> 00:26:54,097 in the eyes of the jury. 618 00:26:54,131 --> 00:26:55,598 I will save you the trouble of asking. 619 00:26:55,632 --> 00:26:57,400 You want me to step down. 620 00:27:04,074 --> 00:27:08,344 For Erik and Lyle's sake. 621 00:27:08,378 --> 00:27:09,679 I know. 622 00:27:12,783 --> 00:27:14,450 Your Honor, 623 00:27:14,485 --> 00:27:17,520 since the court will not instruct the jury as requested, 624 00:27:17,554 --> 00:27:20,923 the defense council has no choice but to ask you to 625 00:27:20,958 --> 00:27:23,693 remove Ms. Abramson from the trial. 626 00:27:23,727 --> 00:27:25,027 Motion denied. 627 00:27:25,062 --> 00:27:26,896 - But Your Honor... - I said denied. 628 00:27:26,930 --> 00:27:30,566 Ms. Abramson is not going anywhere. 629 00:27:30,601 --> 00:27:32,435 What the hell is he doing? 630 00:27:32,469 --> 00:27:34,904 You know, it's not enough to torpedo your credibility. 631 00:27:34,938 --> 00:27:37,807 He wants you to stay in front of the jury to humiliate you. 632 00:27:37,841 --> 00:27:39,208 I don't give a damn about that. 633 00:27:39,243 --> 00:27:40,943 There's only one thing that matters. 634 00:27:40,978 --> 00:27:44,280 Can I still be an effective advocate for my client? 635 00:27:44,314 --> 00:27:47,550 And if we really believe that I've been tainted by this BS, 636 00:27:47,584 --> 00:27:49,619 then there's really only one thing we can do... 637 00:27:49,653 --> 00:27:53,623 Barry, you've gotta deliver the closing to the jury for Erik. 638 00:27:59,830 --> 00:28:01,664 Approach, Your Honor? 639 00:28:09,306 --> 00:28:11,274 The court has left us no choice 640 00:28:11,308 --> 00:28:14,410 but to keep Ms. Abramson from further addressing the jury. 641 00:28:14,444 --> 00:28:16,979 I will be delivering the closing argument 642 00:28:17,014 --> 00:28:19,081 on behalf of Erik Menendez. 643 00:28:19,116 --> 00:28:21,083 Your choice, Mr. Levin. 644 00:28:21,118 --> 00:28:22,618 We'll bring the jury back in. 645 00:28:22,653 --> 00:28:25,021 Counselors, you can return to your seats. 646 00:28:29,026 --> 00:28:31,327 Back to your seat, Ms. Abramson. 647 00:28:41,336 --> 00:28:43,736 Just came home for change. 648 00:28:43,771 --> 00:28:45,238 I have to go right back to the office to work with Barry. 649 00:28:45,272 --> 00:28:47,907 - Is Aidan asleep? - Yes. 650 00:28:47,942 --> 00:28:50,777 I know that look, Les. Something happened? 651 00:28:50,811 --> 00:28:53,613 Yes, Weisberg succeeded in shutting me up 652 00:28:53,647 --> 00:28:56,249 for a nothing technicality. He shut me up. 653 00:28:56,283 --> 00:28:57,517 What do you mean, shut you up? 654 00:28:57,551 --> 00:28:58,952 He made it impossible for me 655 00:28:58,986 --> 00:29:00,186 to give my closing statement to the jury. 656 00:29:00,221 --> 00:29:01,621 It's what I do best. 657 00:29:01,955 --> 00:29:03,356 Oh, God damn it. 658 00:29:03,390 --> 00:29:05,258 It's what I do best. 659 00:29:09,296 --> 00:29:11,864 Well, Conn's argument... his only argument... 660 00:29:11,899 --> 00:29:13,900 is gonna be that Erik and Lyle lied about everything. 661 00:29:13,934 --> 00:29:17,270 So, you just have to show the jury that that argument is ludicrous. 662 00:29:17,304 --> 00:29:18,905 Now, to tell you the truth, Les, 663 00:29:18,939 --> 00:29:20,673 I mean, I haven't given a closing in a while, 664 00:29:20,707 --> 00:29:22,608 let alone a capital case. 665 00:29:22,643 --> 00:29:24,277 I mean, this should be you. 666 00:29:24,311 --> 00:29:26,245 It is what it is. 667 00:29:26,280 --> 00:29:27,747 Weisberg didn't silence me. 668 00:29:27,781 --> 00:29:29,215 He silenced Erik and Lyle, 669 00:29:29,249 --> 00:29:31,384 just like their parents silenced them. 670 00:29:31,418 --> 00:29:33,052 You know, it wouldn't hurt 671 00:29:33,086 --> 00:29:34,954 to remind the jury that you're a marine and a cop, 672 00:29:34,988 --> 00:29:37,223 so you don't come off like some bleeding heart. 673 00:29:37,257 --> 00:29:39,125 Ugh... 674 00:29:39,159 --> 00:29:40,560 Ugh! 675 00:29:40,594 --> 00:29:41,894 What's the matter? Are you all right? 676 00:29:41,929 --> 00:29:43,796 Oh, it's just a... it's a nosebleed. 677 00:29:43,831 --> 00:29:46,632 It's nothing, I... I get them from time to time. 678 00:29:46,667 --> 00:29:49,468 Well, at our age, nosebleeds aren't nothing. 679 00:29:51,271 --> 00:29:53,639 Barry, are those bruises? 680 00:29:53,674 --> 00:29:55,308 - Ugh. - What did you do? 681 00:29:55,342 --> 00:29:56,809 No, it's... it's a new thing. 682 00:29:56,844 --> 00:29:58,311 I bruise really easily. 683 00:29:58,345 --> 00:30:01,948 - I-I got them all over. - Well, have you seen a doctor? 684 00:30:01,982 --> 00:30:03,816 Yeah, they don't know what's going on. 685 00:30:03,851 --> 00:30:06,152 I'll get some tests done when this is over. 686 00:30:07,855 --> 00:30:10,489 I get a little tired sometimes, but I'll be okay tomorrow. 687 00:30:10,524 --> 00:30:11,657 Well, yeah, I mean, I know you will. 688 00:30:11,692 --> 00:30:13,993 You will do great. 689 00:30:14,027 --> 00:30:16,329 Jury's gonna love a handsome devil like you. 690 00:30:16,363 --> 00:30:17,663 Yeah. 691 00:30:22,536 --> 00:30:24,604 _ 692 00:30:24,638 --> 00:30:28,507 Erik lied. Plain and simple. And so did his brother. 693 00:30:28,542 --> 00:30:32,745 So did Marta Cano and the other relatives. 694 00:30:32,779 --> 00:30:36,015 These two healthy, young men were not abused 695 00:30:36,049 --> 00:30:40,920 and there is no good reason for these murders. 696 00:30:43,156 --> 00:30:47,093 If you carefully balance each of the aggravating factors 697 00:30:47,127 --> 00:30:50,696 against the country club abuse defense 698 00:30:50,731 --> 00:30:52,531 that these defendants presented? 699 00:30:52,566 --> 00:30:54,033 No. 700 00:30:54,067 --> 00:30:57,703 It's like weighing bricks and feathers. 701 00:30:59,406 --> 00:31:01,207 Here's the bricks over here. 702 00:31:06,213 --> 00:31:09,215 The horror of this crime. 703 00:31:09,249 --> 00:31:13,953 Tilt the scales this way 704 00:31:13,987 --> 00:31:17,023 against the feathers over here 705 00:31:17,057 --> 00:31:23,057 of too much tennis and not enough hugs. 706 00:31:23,163 --> 00:31:27,833 Erik and Lyle Menendez deserve the death penalty. 707 00:31:29,169 --> 00:31:33,572 You won't be giving them anything they didn't earn. 708 00:31:39,446 --> 00:31:44,350 Mr. Conn would like you to conclude that Erik and Lyle 709 00:31:44,384 --> 00:31:45,985 are cold-blooded killers, 710 00:31:46,019 --> 00:31:48,487 whose just reward is the death penalty. 711 00:31:48,522 --> 00:31:49,922 They showed no mercy, 712 00:31:49,957 --> 00:31:52,058 so they're entitled to no mercy. 713 00:31:52,092 --> 00:31:57,263 The victims are dead, so they need to die. 714 00:31:58,799 --> 00:32:00,733 That's revenge. 715 00:32:00,767 --> 00:32:02,335 In a court of law, 716 00:32:02,369 --> 00:32:08,369 you don't impose the death sentence for revenge. 717 00:32:10,477 --> 00:32:12,545 Excuse me. 718 00:32:19,820 --> 00:32:22,922 I was in military combat in Vietnam, 719 00:32:22,956 --> 00:32:26,692 and I was a police officer with the LAPD. 720 00:32:26,727 --> 00:32:31,063 In war and on the street and in a court room, 721 00:32:31,098 --> 00:32:34,633 there exists a code of conduct for the humane treatment 722 00:32:34,668 --> 00:32:36,235 of our fellow man. 723 00:32:36,269 --> 00:32:38,871 You can't shoot someone who's surrendering. 724 00:32:38,905 --> 00:32:40,973 You cannot walk out onto the battlefield 725 00:32:41,008 --> 00:32:43,309 and shoot the wounded enemy. 726 00:32:43,343 --> 00:32:48,114 And a police officer doesn't shoot the pursuit. 727 00:32:48,148 --> 00:32:53,119 In the decision that you must make, 728 00:32:53,153 --> 00:32:57,456 you can be firm but compassionate. 729 00:32:57,491 --> 00:33:00,393 You can be strong and merciful. 730 00:33:00,427 --> 00:33:03,162 These are not weaknesses. 731 00:33:03,196 --> 00:33:04,730 Mm-mm. 732 00:33:04,765 --> 00:33:08,000 These are strengths. 733 00:33:08,035 --> 00:33:11,771 Now, the decision you make 734 00:33:11,805 --> 00:33:14,173 is irreversible. 735 00:33:14,207 --> 00:33:16,575 If you vote for the death penalty, 736 00:33:16,610 --> 00:33:20,346 Erik and Lyle will be executed. 737 00:33:20,380 --> 00:33:25,117 It's done. 738 00:33:25,152 --> 00:33:27,586 I beg you. 739 00:33:27,621 --> 00:33:32,425 Please, please spare these young men. 740 00:33:32,459 --> 00:33:37,163 It's a decision you will never, ever regret. 741 00:33:38,665 --> 00:33:41,600 Thank you very much. 742 00:33:54,766 --> 00:33:57,719 You know, if they end up on death row, 743 00:33:57,754 --> 00:33:59,375 it'll be the same old, same old. 744 00:33:59,410 --> 00:34:02,023 Everyone I've ever met on the row was molested as a kid. 745 00:34:05,631 --> 00:34:08,333 What are you gonna do after this? 746 00:34:08,368 --> 00:34:11,069 Retire. Be with my family. 747 00:34:11,104 --> 00:34:14,106 You know, you should put yourself up for the judgeship. 748 00:34:14,140 --> 00:34:16,041 You'd get a lot of support. 749 00:34:16,075 --> 00:34:18,443 That is never gonna happen, Barry. 750 00:34:18,478 --> 00:34:19,778 Why's that? 751 00:34:19,812 --> 00:34:21,747 I had a client 12 years ago... 752 00:34:21,781 --> 00:34:23,882 a junkie who sold a dime bag to an undercover... 753 00:34:23,916 --> 00:34:27,719 I tried to plead him out, but the DA wanted hard time. 754 00:34:27,754 --> 00:34:29,755 So, my guy goes to prison, 755 00:34:29,789 --> 00:34:31,423 except he's a diabetic, 756 00:34:31,457 --> 00:34:33,925 and when he doesn't get his medication in prison, 757 00:34:33,960 --> 00:34:35,594 he died. 758 00:34:35,628 --> 00:34:38,029 So, I wrote a letter to the DA congratulating him 759 00:34:38,064 --> 00:34:40,732 for being the first DA to get the death penalty 760 00:34:40,767 --> 00:34:42,901 for the sale of a dime bag of heroin. 761 00:34:42,935 --> 00:34:45,570 Ever since, the DA's office has blocked my nomination 762 00:34:45,605 --> 00:34:48,940 for judgeship every time my name's comes up. 763 00:34:48,975 --> 00:34:50,375 Yeah. 764 00:34:50,410 --> 00:34:53,412 Well, they're right. I shouldn't be a judge. 765 00:34:53,446 --> 00:34:54,813 I would have to be impartial. 766 00:34:54,847 --> 00:34:56,948 I don't wanna be impartial. 767 00:34:56,983 --> 00:34:59,551 The world is filled with people walking around being impartial 768 00:34:59,585 --> 00:35:01,820 while disaster is striking. 769 00:35:01,854 --> 00:35:04,122 I don't wanna be one of them. 770 00:35:07,827 --> 00:35:10,228 I'm glad I'm not in that jury room. 771 00:35:10,263 --> 00:35:12,097 Not that I'm against the death penalty, 772 00:35:12,131 --> 00:35:14,166 but all that mitigation. 773 00:35:14,200 --> 00:35:16,234 Really? You buy that? 774 00:35:16,269 --> 00:35:18,837 I mean, the mental abuse, sure, but the sex abuse? 775 00:35:18,871 --> 00:35:22,741 I know, but those pictures. 776 00:35:22,775 --> 00:35:24,276 I mean, you know what you'd do 777 00:35:24,310 --> 00:35:26,344 if you found someone with pictures like those. 778 00:35:26,379 --> 00:35:27,579 You'd arrest them. 779 00:35:27,613 --> 00:35:30,949 Yeah, those pictures. 780 00:35:35,121 --> 00:35:37,923 It can't be right to kill your parents. 781 00:35:37,957 --> 00:35:39,791 It just can't. 782 00:35:39,826 --> 00:35:43,061 There had to be another way. 783 00:35:43,063 --> 00:35:46,274 _ 784 00:35:53,339 --> 00:35:55,674 Will the defendants rise? 785 00:36:01,647 --> 00:36:04,850 We, the jury, having found Erik Galen Menendez 786 00:36:04,884 --> 00:36:08,520 and Joseph Lyle Menendez, guilty of first-degree murder 787 00:36:08,554 --> 00:36:10,522 with special circumstances, 788 00:36:10,556 --> 00:36:13,658 fix the penalty at life in prison 789 00:36:13,693 --> 00:36:15,193 without parole. 790 00:36:18,498 --> 00:36:19,965 Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, 791 00:36:19,999 --> 00:36:22,167 thank you for your service. 792 00:36:22,201 --> 00:36:23,802 Court is adjourned. 793 00:36:49,028 --> 00:36:51,429 We will file for a new trial. We'll appeal. 794 00:36:51,464 --> 00:36:52,564 This is not the end of the road. 795 00:36:52,598 --> 00:36:54,399 No, it's okay, Leslie. 796 00:36:54,433 --> 00:36:56,401 Now we know what's ahead. 797 00:36:56,435 --> 00:36:58,003 And we're okay with it. 798 00:36:58,037 --> 00:37:00,772 It's better than it was before at home. 799 00:37:00,806 --> 00:37:02,407 It really is better. 800 00:37:17,957 --> 00:37:20,425 All I am asking for is a call from you 801 00:37:20,459 --> 00:37:23,461 to delay their transport back to prison for 15 minutes. 802 00:37:23,496 --> 00:37:24,729 Why? 803 00:37:24,764 --> 00:37:28,099 So Lyle can marry his fiancee with Erik as his best man. 804 00:37:28,134 --> 00:37:29,634 You're joking. 805 00:37:29,669 --> 00:37:31,603 No, I have a judge lined up to perform the service. 806 00:37:31,637 --> 00:37:33,305 We can use an empty court room... 807 00:37:33,339 --> 00:37:34,873 Out of the question. 808 00:37:34,907 --> 00:37:37,442 Your clients aren't going anywhere except prison. 809 00:37:37,476 --> 00:37:40,779 Judge Weisberg, is your heart so full of malice 810 00:37:40,813 --> 00:37:42,781 towards these boys that there isn't room 811 00:37:42,815 --> 00:37:44,749 for even this small kindness? 812 00:37:44,784 --> 00:37:47,586 Are you accusing me of bias? 813 00:37:47,620 --> 00:37:49,588 Get out. 814 00:37:49,622 --> 00:37:52,924 Get out of my chambers. 815 00:38:00,967 --> 00:38:02,968 Many of us felt that if we had heard 816 00:38:03,002 --> 00:38:05,971 about the family history during the trial, 817 00:38:06,005 --> 00:38:08,607 we never would've convicted them of first-degree murder. 818 00:38:08,641 --> 00:38:10,108 Mr. Conn, can we get a comment? 819 00:38:10,142 --> 00:38:12,277 Judge Weisberg showed remarkable patience. 820 00:38:12,311 --> 00:38:15,347 This is a victory for justice. Thank you. 821 00:38:15,381 --> 00:38:18,316 Judge Brown agreed to meet us at my office, okay? 822 00:38:18,351 --> 00:38:21,653 - We will get you married, Anna. - Thank you. 823 00:38:21,687 --> 00:38:26,157 I'll be back. 824 00:38:26,192 --> 00:38:28,159 Leslie. 825 00:38:28,194 --> 00:38:30,829 I wanted to thank you on behalf of the family 826 00:38:30,863 --> 00:38:32,697 for everything that you have done. 827 00:38:32,732 --> 00:38:33,965 Oh, thank you. 828 00:38:34,000 --> 00:38:37,502 I, uh, don't feel I did enough. 829 00:38:37,536 --> 00:38:40,005 I wanted to ask you, Marta. 830 00:38:40,039 --> 00:38:42,474 You were the only one who never doubted 831 00:38:42,508 --> 00:38:44,809 the boys about the sex abuse. 832 00:38:44,844 --> 00:38:45,910 Why is that? 833 00:38:49,649 --> 00:38:52,651 You can never tell anybody what I'm about to tell you. 834 00:38:52,685 --> 00:38:54,786 Not as long as my mother is alive. 835 00:38:57,490 --> 00:38:59,724 When Jose was five, 836 00:38:59,759 --> 00:39:01,459 my father would go on long trips 837 00:39:01,494 --> 00:39:04,496 and my mother was very lonely. 838 00:39:04,530 --> 00:39:06,464 She would take Jose into her bed 839 00:39:06,499 --> 00:39:07,866 and make him do things to her. 840 00:39:07,900 --> 00:39:09,734 Sexual things. 841 00:39:09,769 --> 00:39:14,739 That's why I never doubted that Jose did the same to his sons. 842 00:39:14,774 --> 00:39:18,710 It's a sickness that my mother gave to him. 843 00:39:30,923 --> 00:39:33,324 I, Lyle Menendez, 844 00:39:33,359 --> 00:39:35,560 take you, Anna, to be my wife, 845 00:39:35,594 --> 00:39:38,930 to have and to hold, for better or worse, 846 00:39:38,964 --> 00:39:42,000 for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, 847 00:39:42,034 --> 00:39:45,070 until death do us part. 848 00:39:45,104 --> 00:39:47,072 I, Anna Eriksson, 849 00:39:47,106 --> 00:39:49,240 take you, Lyle, to be my husband, 850 00:39:49,275 --> 00:39:52,377 to have and to hold, for better or worse, 851 00:39:52,411 --> 00:39:56,047 for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, 852 00:39:56,082 --> 00:39:57,916 till death do us part. 853 00:39:57,950 --> 00:40:01,286 Anna, you made such incredible sacrifices. 854 00:40:01,320 --> 00:40:02,787 I adore you. 855 00:40:02,822 --> 00:40:04,389 I now pronounce you man and wife. 856 00:40:04,423 --> 00:40:07,425 You may kiss each other in your mind's eye. 857 00:40:10,963 --> 00:40:13,798 Lyle, sweetie, how are you feeling? 858 00:40:13,833 --> 00:40:15,900 It's the best day of my life. 859 00:40:15,935 --> 00:40:18,036 I'll see you in the next place. 860 00:40:18,070 --> 00:40:20,705 Erik, did you hear everything? 861 00:40:20,740 --> 00:40:21,906 Yes, Aunt Terry. 862 00:40:21,941 --> 00:40:24,876 I'm so glad you're there. 863 00:40:24,910 --> 00:40:27,779 Lyle... 864 00:40:27,813 --> 00:40:29,881 Adios, Lyle. 865 00:40:29,915 --> 00:40:31,616 Bye, little brother. 866 00:40:33,919 --> 00:40:36,087 Thank you. 867 00:40:36,122 --> 00:40:37,956 I'll see you guys. 868 00:40:42,995 --> 00:40:44,462 Really, guys? Outside my house? 869 00:40:44,497 --> 00:40:46,231 Just a couple of questions, Leslie. 870 00:40:46,265 --> 00:40:47,832 How do you feel now that the trial is over? 871 00:40:47,867 --> 00:40:49,467 It'll never be over for me, 872 00:40:49,502 --> 00:40:52,303 'cause I will never sever ties with Erik and Lyle 873 00:40:52,338 --> 00:40:53,838 or their family. 874 00:40:53,873 --> 00:40:56,341 The legal part is over, but the human part continues. 875 00:40:56,375 --> 00:40:57,776 Is it true you'll be retiring? 876 00:40:57,810 --> 00:40:58,943 Might be. 877 00:40:58,978 --> 00:41:00,278 What are you going to do? 878 00:41:00,312 --> 00:41:03,148 Spend some time with my husband and my lovely little boy. 879 00:41:03,182 --> 00:41:04,949 Maybe open a toy store. 880 00:41:04,984 --> 00:41:06,618 Okay, that's it. Bye-bye. 881 00:41:06,652 --> 00:41:08,286 - A toy store? - Leslie! 882 00:41:14,393 --> 00:41:15,927 Is there anything else you can tell us? 883 00:41:15,961 --> 00:41:17,962 Come on, guys, it's family time. 884 00:41:17,997 --> 00:41:20,832 What part of farewell don't you understand? 885 00:41:23,708 --> 00:41:30,679 _ 886 00:41:31,193 --> 00:41:37,541 _ 887 00:41:46,839 --> 00:41:53,939 _ 888 00:42:01,108 --> 00:42:05,756 _ 889 00:42:11,679 --> 00:42:15,699 - sync and corrections by Zac - - www.addic7ed.com -