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Criminology, as defined by Bartol and Bartol (2011), is the multidisciplinary study of crime. To gain a deeper understanding of criminality and the individuals who commit crimes, it is crucial to consider various risk factors that influence antisocial behavior. In this assignment, we will explore the case of the Menendez Brothers, who infamously shot and killed their parents. The legal defense argued that the brothers endured severe abuse and lived in constant fear, factors that ultimately led them to commit these tragic murders.
On August 20th, 1989, a chilling incident unfolded in the Menendez household.
Jose and Kitty Menendez were quietly watching television when their lives took a horrifying turn. Their sons, Lyle and Erik Menendez, suddenly burst into the home, wielding firearms. Chaos erupted as Jose, their father, was shot first, followed by Kitty, their mother, as she attempted to flee from the violence. The brothers then fled the scene, disposing of the murder weapons, and even went to a movie theater to purchase tickets, presumably as part of an alibi.
Upon their return home, it was the elder brother, Lyle, who made the distressing call to the police, reporting the deaths of their parents.
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“ She followed all my directions. It was really easy to contact her and respond very fast as well. ”
During the initial stages of the investigation, both brothers vehemently denied any involvement in the murders. It wasn't until the younger brother, Erik, confessed to the killings during a session with his psychiatrist that the police were able to connect them to the crimes.
In our quest to understand what may have predisposed the Menendez Brothers to commit such a heinous act, it is imperative to delve into genetic and biological aspects.
Genetics can significantly influence an individual's behavior, including their temperament, a concept highlighted in Chapter 3 of "Criminal Behavior: A Psychological Approach" (Bartol and Bartol, 2011).
In the case of the Menendez family, there is compelling evidence to suggest that genetic factors may have played a role. Jose Menendez, the father, has been described as a highly controlling individual who frequently resorted to violent behavior within the family. This raises pertinent questions about whether there may have been a genetic predisposition for aggression or impulsivity within the family.
Furthermore, a family history of mental health issues can contribute to antisocial behavior. It has been reported that Kitty Menendez, the mother, struggled with depression from a young age, particularly after her father abandoned her family and remarried. Her battles with depression intensified upon discovering her husband's extramarital affair in New York. Her psychologist, Edwin S. Cox, testified that Kitty Menendez viewed suicide as a means to retaliate against her husband for his long-standing affair, even if it meant leaving her children behind. This grim perspective raises questions about the potential hereditary component of mental health challenges within the family.
Additionally, it is worth noting that parental alcoholism and depression have been associated with an increased risk of antisocial behavior in offspring. In the Menendez household, Kitty Menendez reportedly had a dependence on drugs and alcohol. This substance abuse could have further destabilized the family environment and contributed to the development of antisocial tendencies in her children.
The influence of siblings should not be underestimated in the context of family dynamics. Erik Menendez, the younger brother, appeared to idolize his older sibling, Lyle. In a household dominated by their father's controlling and abusive behavior, Erik may have perceived Lyle as a source of comfort and even a father figure. This sibling dynamic could have played a significant role in shaping their respective roles within the family and their relationships with authority figures.
Situational learning, as elucidated by Skinner's theory of behaviorism, posits that human beings are born as neutral entities, neither inherently good nor bad. Instead, it is culture, society, and the environment that shape human behavior (Bartol and Bartol, 2011). When examining the Menendez case through this theoretical lens, we can gain a deeper understanding of how their family environment influenced their development of antisocial behavior.
The Menendez parents failed to create a nurturing and supportive atmosphere for their children. Jose Menendez's strict rules and frequent violent outbursts created an environment devoid of self-regulation and acceptance. Teachers at their school even noticed that the brothers exhibited immaturity for their age and struggled with learning. Despite these concerns, Jose did not adequately address them. At times, both parents completed school assignments for the brothers, leading to discrepancies between their schoolwork and homework. This parental approach of unrealistically high expectations and the use of physical and emotional punishment likely contributed to the development of antisocial tendencies in the brothers.
Moreover, the brothers disclosed instances of sexual abuse within the family. It was alleged that Kitty Menendez turned a blind eye to the abuse, fearing that confronting it might jeopardize her marriage. Shockingly, there were claims that she even sexually abused Lyle from ages 11 to 12. If these allegations are accurate, it demonstrates how the brothers were exposed to and learned inappropriate sexual behavior within their family. This exposure may have contributed to their distorted sense of what constituted acceptable behavior.
Furthermore, the brothers themselves displayed sexually inappropriate behavior toward their cousin, ceasing their actions only when she screamed or managed to escape. This suggests that they may have internalized the abusive patterns they witnessed within their family environment, further reinforcing their antisocial tendencies.
In conclusion, the case of the Menendez Brothers offers a complex study of the interplay between genetic, biological, and situational factors that can contribute to antisocial behavior. While genetic predispositions and a family history of mental health issues may have played a role in their development, it is evident that their family environment, characterized by violence, abuse, and a lack of nurturing, played a significant role in shaping their criminal behavior.
Understanding Antisocial Behavior: The Case of the Menendez Brothers. (2016, Dec 15). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/risk-factors-on-the-menendez-brothers-case-essay
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