On the evening of August 20, 1989, brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez committed a shocking act in their Beverly Hills home: they murdered their parents while they watched the classic film *The Spy Who Loved Me*. The brothers were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. For decades their case became somewhat obscured, but it surged back into public consciousness after the release of a gripping Netflix drama and documentary detailing their story. Recently, new evidence has emerged, prompting a review of their case.

During a recent parole hearing, 28 years after their last appearance in court, the Menendez brothers connected via teleconference from prison. Their aunt vocally advocated for their release, declaring, "I think it is time for them to go home." In contrast, their uncle vehemently criticized the brothers, describing them as "cold-blooded" and asserting they deserve to remain behind bars for life.

This duality within their family's perspectives raises profound questions: Do Erik and Lyle Menendez truly embody "monsters," or have they evolved, as their aunt suggests? This question echoes through the corridors of psychology and criminal justice, as experts consider whether individuals who commit egregious acts are fundamentally different from the average person.

As a forensic psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience, I've engaged with numerous individuals who have committed substantial offenses, seeking to understand the roots of their actions. Many presume that such individuals cannot be rehabilitated and that they are "born" to commit such acts. They often liken murderers to monsters, distancing them from our humanity. However, my experience challenges this notion.

The Complexity of Human Behavior

Early in my career, I encountered a patient named Tony, a convicted serial killer who had taken the lives of three men. While society may label him irredeemable, my interactions revealed a deeply troubled individual grappling with his past. Tony had experienced profound trauma, suffering severe abuse from his father during childhood, which lead to his eventual violence. Through our sessions, he began to unravel the connections between his childhood experiences and his actions, providing insight into how personal history can influence later behavior.

This brings us to the Menendez brothers, who similarly claimed abuse at the hands of their father. Although their defense was challenged in court, the broader conversation about childhood trauma and its impact remains critical. Many individuals endure severe trauma yet do not resort to violence, prompting an exploration of what distinguishes those who do.

Understanding "Evil" and Risk Factors

It is essential to reframe the way we characterize those who commit violent acts. There is no scientific basis for labeling individuals as "evil" at birth; rather, certain circumstances align to create conditions where violent actions occur. Known as the "bicycle lock" analogy, violence often requires multiple risk factors to converge. These include factors like youth and male gender, familial conflict, substance abuse, and a troubled relationship history.

Changing Landscapes in Crime

Welcome news comes from the significant decrease in homicide rates in various countries since 2004, including the UK and the US. Experts like Professor Manuel Eisner attribute this decline partly to social changes, such as reduced binge drinking and enhanced awareness of domestic violence, as well as the increased surveillance offered by mobile phones and CCTV. This indicates that proactive measures can contribute to reducing violence.

Empathy in Understanding Violence

Moreover, I have witnessed the power of empathy during therapeutic interactions with individuals who have committed violent crimes. In my encounters with a man named Jack, who had killed his mother while undergoing severe mental distress, I observed profound moments of regret and self-reflection. Through group therapy, offenders like Jack began unraveling the complex web of emotions that led them to violence, fostering a sense of responsibility and insight.

These experiences underscore a compelling truth: individuals who commit murder are often not mindless monsters; they are complex beings shaped by their experiences, both good and bad. Their journeys highlight the significance of understanding the roots of violent behavior and the potential for transformation.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

In conclusion, we must resist categorizing individuals who commit violent acts as innately "evil." Such labels hinder our ability to understand and address the root causes of violence effectively. The key to prevention lies not only in punishment but in empathy, understanding, and therapeutic interventions. By fostering a deeper comprehension of human behavior, we can create pathways for healing, change, and, ultimately, a safer society for all. The Menendez case, with all its complexities, serves as a poignant reminder of this imperative.