Betting on the Menendez Case: How Event-Driven Investing Can Profit from True Crime's Legal Drama

The Menendez brothers’ resentencing hearings, culminating in a pivotal parole board decision on June 13, 2025, have reignited public fascination with one of America’s most notorious criminal cases. For investors, this high-stakes legal drama presents a unique opportunity to capitalize on the intersection of event-driven catalysts and the evergreen demand for true crime content. With streaming platforms and content producers primed to amplify the story, now is the time to position in undervalued stocks poised to benefit from surging interest.

The Menendez Case: A Catalyst for Content Demand

The May 13–14 resentencing hearings and the June parole board decision mark critical inflection points. Over three decades after Lyle and Erik Menendez murdered their parents in 1989, the case remains a cultural touchstone, fueled by new evidence of childhood abuse, family testimonies, and conflicting claims of rehabilitation versus risk.

The legal outcome—whether the brothers gain parole eligibility or face continued incarceration—will determine the story’s next chapter. A favorable ruling could trigger a second wave of media coverage, including documentaries, books, and TV series, while an unfavorable decision risks a spike in public curiosity about the defense’s claims of systemic injustice. Either way, the case’s dramatic narrative (premeditation, alleged abuse, family betrayal) ensures sustained relevance for content creators.

Streaming Platforms Positioned to Win

Streaming platforms like Netflix (NFLX) and Peacock (CMCSA) are already capitalizing on true crime’s enduring appeal. Netflix’s 2023 docuseries The Menendez Brothers drew millions of viewers, while Peacock’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story kept the narrative fresh. The upcoming legal decisions could spark renewed licensing deals, re-releases, or new series, driving subscriber growth and advertising revenue.

Key Plays:
1. Netflix (NFLX): Undervalued at $260/share (May 2025), NFLX’s content library includes The Menendez Brothers and The Confession Tapes. A post-ruling content surge could push its stock toward $320–$350.
2. Comcast (CMCSA): Owner of Peacock, which invested in Monsters, Comcast’s stock trades at $38/share, below its 52-week high of $42. A renewed Menendez content boom could lift it further.

Content Producers: Licensing Deals and Syndication

Content producers with true crime expertise stand to profit from the Menendez case’s legal fallout. Companies like AMC Networks (AMC) and Discovery, Inc. (DISCA) dominate the genre, producing series like The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (which intersects with the Menendez story’s LA elite backdrop).

Why Invest Now?
- Undervalued Stocks: AMC trades at $33/share, down 12% from its 2023 high. A Menendez-linked content boom could reverse this trend.
- Licensing Synergy: Producers with existing true crime franchises can quickly pivot to Menendez-related projects, leveraging existing distribution networks.

Risks and Considerations

While the Menendez case offers clear opportunities, investors must weigh risks:
- Case Resolution Timing: A swift, unambiguous ruling (e.g., parole denial) could limit prolonged media interest.
- Regulatory Scrutiny: Ongoing debates over prison misconduct (e.g., the brothers’ cell phone possession) might overshadow rehabilitation narratives.

Counterargument: Even if the case concludes quickly, the long-term demand for true crime content remains robust. True crime’s audience grew 40% between 2018–2023, per Nielsen, and shows no signs of fading. The Menendez case’s unique blend of trauma, wealth, and legal ambiguity ensures it will be rehashed for decades—creating recurring revenue streams for content owners.

Final Analysis: Time to Act

The Menendez case’s legal milestones in May and June 2025 are event-driven catalysts with asymmetric upside for media stocks. While risks exist, the structural tailwinds of true crime’s popularity and streaming’s content hunger make this a high-conviction play.

Investment Strategy:
- Buy NFLX and CMCSA now, targeting 15–20% upside by Q4 2025.
- Add AMC as a speculative play for licensing-driven growth.

The Menendez brothers’ fate is undetermined, but one outcome is certain: their story will continue to captivate audiences. For investors, that means one thing—buy the dip, and ride the true crime wave.