Episode 165: Menendez Trial Audio

Forensic Transmissions

One of the most compelling subplots of the Menendez case was the stormy affair between Dr. Jerome Oziel (Erik Menendez's psychiatrist), and his patient Judalon Rose Smyth. Dr. Oziel told Judalon that he was in an "open relationship" with his wife, Laurel, and was free to pursue an extra-marital affair. In October 1989, the 18-year-old Erik, overwhelmed by guilt and remorse, confessed to Oziel that, two months earlier, he and his 21-year-old brother Lyle had shot their parents to death in their home in Beverly Hills. According to Dr. Oziel, when Lyle learned about Erik’s confession, he grew alarmed and threatened to kill Oziel if he told the police. Judalon told police that Dr. Oziel had told her to listen at the office door during Erik's therapy sessions, and to record them surreptitiously. Judalon became paranoid that her life, too, was in danger. She told police she tried to break off the relationship, which, she claimed, was manipulative and abusive. She said Oziel hypnotized her and left her victimized, frightened and traumatized. She compared herself to a prisoner of war, and said she was so brainwashed by Dr. Oziel that she once made him an IOU for 500 sex acts, and even faked suicide so he would find her. This episode contains an excerpt of Judalon testifying in court. Her taped conversations eventually led to the brothers' arrests and conviction, although it took 7 years and 3 trials to find them guilty. They are currently both serving sentences of life without parole in the California Department of Corrections. Listen to the episode here.