The phrase refers to the idea of dressing up as Lyle and Erik Menendez, the brothers convicted of murdering their parents, for a Halloween celebration. Such a costume concept would typically involve mimicking the brothers’ appearances around the time of their trial, often incorporating elements like preppy clothing, dark hair, and possibly even mock bloodstains to represent the violent crime. An example would be wearing khakis, a polo shirt, and a dark wig while carrying a prop representing a shotgun.
The rise in popularity of true crime documentaries and podcasts has fueled interest in notorious cases, including the Menendez brothers saga. This interest sometimes manifests in unexpected ways, such as the creation of costumes referencing the case. However, using real-life tragedies as inspiration for lighthearted or humorous purposes can be considered insensitive and may be perceived as disrespectful by some.