Who is Dr. Jerome Oziel? The Therapist Behind the Menendez Brothers’ Confession

On September 19, Ryan Murphy’s latest true crime adaptation, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, debuted on Netflix. This series features a talented cast that includes Javier Bardem, Chloë Sevigny, Nicholas Chavez, and Cooper Koch.

The storyline centers around the tragic murders of José and Kitty Menendez, who were killed by their two sons, Lyle and Erik, in 1989. It took authorities seven months to apprehend the brothers, primarily due to a confession that was recorded by Erik’s psychologist.

In the series, Dr. Jeremy Oziel, portrayed by Dallas Roberts, plays a pivotal role. He was the first individual to hear about the brothers’ acts during therapy sessions. However, it was Dr. Oziel’s mistress and former client, Judalon Smyth, depicted by Leslie Grossman, who ultimately alerted the police about the confessions.

The relationship between Oziel and Smyth became crucial in the investigation that followed the Menendez brothers’ horrifying actions. This article delves into how their personal entanglements led to the eventual arrest and sentencing of Lyle and Erik Menendez.

Dr. Jerome Oziel was Erik Menendez’s licensed psychologist and the initial confidante who listened to Erik’s shocking admission regarding the murders of his parents. During a session on October 31, 1989, Erik discussed his nightmares and feelings of deep depression. As the conversation progressed, he confessed that he and his brother were responsible for their parents’ deaths.

According to trial coverage by the LA Times in 1993, Lyle and Erik attended sessions with Oziel together and recorded their confessions. After this session, Oziel expressed fear for his own safety, believing that the brothers might threaten his life.

In his testimony, Oziel mentioned that he immediately contacted his wife, Laurel, to ensure the safety of their family. He then rushed to Smyth’s residence to disclose what he had learned during the therapy session.

Oziel eventually surrendered his license to practice and relocated out of California, distancing himself from the events that began to unfold.

Judalon Smyth, who was Oziel’s mistress during the time of Erik’s confession, played an integral role in this true crime saga. While Oziel was conducting therapy, she reportedly listened outside the door when the brothers confessed.

After Oziel ended their relationship, Smyth decided to come forward, informing law enforcement that she had overheard Erik’s admission of guilt. She also stated that Oziel possessed recordings of their sessions, further implicating the Menendez brothers.

A search of Oziel’s home led to the uncovering of the tapes, culminating in the brothers’ arrest in March 1990.

Smyth has remained largely out of the public eye since the trial concluded, living a private life away from the media spotlight.

Both Oziel and Smyth took the stand during the Menendez trial. However, due to confidentiality agreements between doctor and patient, the tapes of their sessions were not admitted into evidence for over two years.

During the 1993 trial, Oziel recounted how Erik and Lyle had threatened him, which played a critical role in allowing the tapes to be entered as evidence. Defense attorney Leslie Abramson sought to undermine Oziel’s credibility by revealing his unprofessional behavior with clients.

As for Smyth, her testimony evolved during the trial. Despite having previously claimed to the media and authorities that she had overheard the brothers confess, she testified in court that she had never actually heard either Erik or Lyle admit to the murders directly.

She went as far as to accuse Oziel of manipulating her thoughts, claiming he had induced post-traumatic stress disorder in her. Smyth insisted that any inconsistencies in her previous statements should not be held against her due to this alleged brainwashing.