The Man Behind the Confession: What Happened to Dr. Jerome Oziel, the Menendez Brothers’ Therapist?

In the annals of American crime, few cases have captivated the public as deeply as the Menendez murders. Lyle and Erik Menendez’s brutal killing of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, shocked the nation and turned into one of the most highly publicized criminal trials of the early 1990s. Now, with Netflix’s latest release, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, the chilling details of this family tragedy are once again under scrutiny. Beyond the brothers and their victims, there was another key figure who played a dramatic role in shaping the Menendez narrative: Dr. Jerome Oziel, Erik’s therapist. Oziel’s presence in the case, from the confessions to the courtroom, remains an essential—if controversial—part of this story. Here’s a closer look at Oziel’s relationship with the Menendez brothers, his impact on the case, and what has become of him today.

Jerome Oziel

The Confession: Did Erik Menendez Admit the Murder to Oziel?

Dr. Jerome Oziel’s association with the Menendez brothers began in 1988, when the family turned to him after Lyle and Erik were caught burglarizing homes in Calabasas, California. Jose and Kitty Menendez sought help for their troubled sons, hoping Oziel could address what they viewed as signs of delinquency. For a time, Erik saw Oziel as his therapist, confiding in him. But the relationship took a dark and pivotal turn after the murder of the Menendez parents in August 1989.

On Halloween of that year, Erik, who was clearly struggling with the weight of his actions, reached out to Oziel with an urgent request for a session. According to court records, they met at Oziel’s Bedford Drive office in Beverly Hills. The session extended beyond the confines of the office, spilling into the surrounding streets as they took a walk in a nearby park. There, Erik confessed to the murders, describing the planning, the execution, and the fabricated alibi he and his brother had constructed.

Oziel documented the confession meticulously, detailing how Erik recounted the crime and the reasons behind it. In dictated notes from this session, Oziel later described how Erik had revealed “in detail the planning and execution of the crime, including (the brothers’) fabricated alibi defense.” This confession would become central to the case against the brothers. Not long after, on November 2, both Lyle and Erik met with Oziel to discuss the motive behind the murder of their parents, diving into the psychological and emotional factors that led them to such a horrific act.

One critical decision Oziel made was to record a December 11 session with the brothers, creating an audio record of their discussions. This tape would prove both invaluable and controversial, and it became the subject of a prolonged legal dispute over its admissibility in court. Oziel’s recordings and notes would play a decisive role in the brothers’ prosecution, as well as in the public’s understanding of the gruesome crime.

The Tapes: How Oziel’s Recordings Influenced the Case

The recordings Oziel made of the Menendez brothers’ confessions became a flashpoint in the legal proceedings. In March 1990, a dramatic turn of events took place when Judalon Smyth, a former patient of Oziel and a woman with whom he was having an affair, approached the authorities and disclosed the existence of these tapes. This bombshell revelation led to the tapes being seized by law enforcement, and shortly thereafter, the Menendez brothers were arrested.

The legal battle that followed centered on whether the recordings were admissible in court, with the defense arguing that they were protected under therapist-patient confidentiality. The question reached the California Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled in August 1992 that two out of four tapes were indeed admissible. This decision was instrumental in the trial, providing evidence that supported the prosecution’s case and giving insight into the brothers’ motives and mindset at the time of the killings.

Oziel’s role in the trial was complicated and contentious. During the first trial, he testified as a key witness for the prosecution, describing Erik’s confession in vivid detail. However, Oziel’s credibility was subjected to a grueling cross-examination that focused largely on his personal life, including his affair with Smyth. This affair cast a shadow over his testimony, with the defense attempting to depict him as an unreliable and compromised witness whose own conduct undermined his professional ethics.

By the time of the second trial, Oziel’s direct involvement had waned—he did not testify. However, the tape recordings he had made were still played in court, cementing his influence in the case even in his absence. The recordings, along with the complex web of personal and professional conflicts that surrounded Oziel, left an indelible mark on the Menendez case, turning him into one of its most controversial figures.

Life After the Trial: Oziel’s Fall from Grace and New Beginnings

The fallout from the Menendez trial took a heavy toll on Dr. Oziel’s professional life. In 1997, the California Board of Psychology moved to revoke his license, citing several ethical violations, including breaches of patient confidentiality and allegations of inappropriate relationships with female patients. Oziel denied the accusations, maintaining that the revocation of his license was not related to any wrongdoing. In a statement given in 2017, he claimed, “I did not surrender my license due to the accusation, which implies I gave up my practice because I did things alleged in the original accusation. … No agency ever found I did a thing that was improper or wrong.”

Oziel suggested that his decision to step away from clinical psychology was motivated by a new career opportunity. He relocated to another state and focused on a business venture that he described as “highly lucrative,” eventually leaving behind the world of therapy in which he had once thrived. This shift marked a significant departure from his earlier life in Beverly Hills, where he had been a recognized figure in psychological circles, specializing in phobias and sex-related disorders, and had even taught at the University of Southern California.

Today, Oziel resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he has reinvented himself as a marital mediator, going by the name Jerry Oziel. He now works at the Marital Mediation Center, where he applies his expertise in psychology to help couples resolve conflicts in their marriages without resorting to divorce. The center’s mission focuses on conflict resolution as an alternative to separation, offering couples a chance to repair their relationships through structured dialogue and mediation.

Despite his changed life and new career path, the shadow of the Menendez case continues to follow Oziel. The Netflix documentary on the Menendez brothers, released in October 2024, revisits his role in the case. Although he declined to participate in the documentary, his impact on the story remains undeniable. His involvement as the therapist who first heard Erik Menendez’s confession transformed him into a central—and polarizing—figure in the Menendez saga.

Where Is Dr. Jerome Oziel Now?

Though Dr. Jerome Oziel no longer holds a license to practice psychology, he has continued to leverage his background in human behavior. Now known as Jerry Oziel, he has focused on helping couples navigate marital issues. In Albuquerque, he lives a quieter life, removed from the high-profile cases that defined his earlier career.

Oziel’s academic journey began at Arizona State University, where he received his doctorate in clinical psychology in 1972. Following stints in South Carolina and eventually California, he established himself as a psychologist in Beverly Hills, becoming known for his work on phobias and sex-related disorders. His career was on a successful trajectory until the Menendez case thrust him into a maelstrom of media attention, ethical scrutiny, and ultimately, professional ruin.

The Menendez case remains one of the most haunting and complex trials in American criminal history, and Oziel’s role in it has ensured that his name remains intertwined with the story. As new audiences revisit the case, Oziel’s contributions—and controversies—continue to provoke questions about the limits of confidentiality, the ethics of therapy, and the personal toll of high-profile legal battles. In this way, Dr. Jerome Oziel remains a specter in the saga of the Menendez family, his influence etched into the legacy of a case that has gripped the American public for decades.

AS soon as the Christmas advert season began, all eyes were on John Lewis to see what it had in store.

But it seems another retailer has stolen viewers’ hearts this year.

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As the Christmas ads start rolling, most of us begin to start getting into the festive spirit – and we also tend to shed a tear or two.

John Lewis has become well-known for its emotional and heartwarming Christmas adverts.

But the real tear-jerker this year isn’t the usual suspect, with some people saying Tesco‘s three minute advert is far better than the John Lewis Campaign.

The ad follows a man called Gary who is trying to navigate Christmas while mourning the loss of his grandmother.

It touches on how the festive period can cause conflicting emotions for many people who are missing a loved one.

The soundtrack for the ad is Melancholy Hill by Gorillaz, and it opens with Gary visiting his grandfather, then pans to a flashback of him visiting his late nan.

He gets up to leave, and at the door his grandfather hands him a packet of Tesco gingerbread men.

Taking a bite of one of the biscuits, Gary’s world transforms into a magical Christmas landscape where sugary treats burst out of every corner.

But when he thinks about the absence of his grandmother, his festive dreamland begins to crumble.

So, Gary decides to rekindle a Christmas tradition he had with his grandmother by sitting with his grandfather and building a gingerbread house.

The pair are seen to “rebuild” their lives after the loss, as the ad finishes with the entire family sitting down and having Christmas dinner together.

The table spread features glimpses of Tesco’s festive range including a turkey and pigs in blankets.

Becky Brock, group customer director at Tesco, said: “We want our Christmas campaign to connect people with the joy of moments that help feed our Christmas spirit and showcase how Tesco can help you do just that.

“We appreciate that even if you love Christmas, there can be
little things that eat away at your Christmas spirit as well as things that help to feed it.”

People went crazy for the short film on social media, celebrating its ability to connect with viewers.

One person wrote on X: “The Tesco Christmas ad is AMAZING!”

Another person said: “I’ve just watched the Tesco Christmas ad and it’s completely correct and has got the tone right.”

While someone commented: “Tesco Christmas ad is all about the spirit of Christmas. Normal people, normal lives.”

A fourth warned: “Check it out, it’s the best I’ve seen so far – but I dare you not to shed a tear.”

The usual tear-jerker on the block, John Lewis, has faced much less praise this winter season.

Another X user wrote: “@JohnLewisRetail That was a bad Christmas ad, I’m sorry but Tesco wins it this year.”

John Lewis is famous for pulling on the heart strings at Christmas time, previously spending as much as £7 million on a single campaign.

It spent almost that much this time round, and is classed as the biggest advertising event of the year.

In its two minute long advert for 2024, named The Gifting Hour, the story line follows a woman’s urgent hunt for a gift for her sister.

For the first time in 17 years, the John Lewis store actually features in the mini-film.

The ad, created by Saatchi & Saatchi, follows the woman, named Sally, rushing around the John Lewis shop floor.

Then she is transported down memory lane, and she tries to navigate childhood memories and pick up clues on what to buy her sister.

When she finds the perfect gift she reenters reality and find its already wrapped.

She then heads outside and shares a special moment with her sister, followed by the strap line: “The secret to the perfect gift? Knowing where to look.”

John Lewis purposefully leaves the contents of the gift a mystery to emphasise sentiment over material value.

However the heart-warming message fell short, with one person posting on X: “That’s it, Christmas is ruined. The John Lewis ad is quite comfortably the worst one yet.”

Another said: “Very disappointed, I wanted the John Lewis Christmas ad to make me cry and give me a sense of family and home.

“I have loved all previous ads because what sets them apart is they never actually focused on shopping, this year you have.”

Some viewers weren’t impressed by the song choice for this year’s ad.

One person wrote on X: “Where’s the slow emotional cover we usually get?”

Despite usually using a cover version of a famous song for its adverts, the campaign opts for The Sonnet by The Verve sung by the original band members.

It serves as a nod to the 90s, which has had a major resurgence this year.

It has also been left open to the audience as John Lewis searches for a coverstar on TikTok – and legendary lead singer of the band Richard Ashcroft will help pick the new star.

The winner will record and release their own track with BMG and a version of the advert with their rendition will be played on TV on Christmas Day. 

They will also win a £3,000 shopping spree and tickets to a Richard Ashcroft headline show in 2025. 

Proceeds from the single will be donated to the John Lewis Partnership’s Building Happier Futures programme, which helps care-experienced people. 

This year, the advert is the final instalment of a three-part series, to relaunch the chain’s Never Knowingly Undersold pledge.  

It will air first on John Lewis’ social media platforms at 8am tomorrow, but MyJohnLewis members can watch it from 8am on the John Lewis website. 

It will be broadcast on TV during the ad break for Coronation Street on ITV at  8.45pm on Friday November 15. 

Others weren’t impressed by the lack of men visible onscreen throughout the John Lewis advert.

An X user wrote: “No mention of men in the advert. According to John Lewis men don’t shop or have families.”

On GB News, Dr Renee Hoenderkamp complained: “There’s no men in it. There’s no brothers, no husbands, there’s no grandpas – it’s all women.

“Christmas is about family, which includes men and women.”

But other viewers saw it as celebrating women.

One X user said: “If you have just watched the John Lewis advert and have sisters you will totally get it – I sobbed.

“I am blessed to have the most amazing sisters and best friends”.

Another said: “The John Lewis Christmas ad is a celebration of women and it’s, quite frankly, brilliant!”

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California Unveils New Energy Rebates to Help Homeowners Cut Energy Costs

Eligible Californians can now save thousands on home energy expenses thanks to a new rebate program targeting energy-efficient upgrades. Announced by Governor Gavin Newsom, the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEEHRA) provide financial incentives for homeowners to install eco-friendly heating and cooling systems, marking the beginning of two federal programs aimed at supporting efficient and climate-resilient homes. These rebates, a product of the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), are part of California’s commitment to reducing energy costs, improving air quality, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Substantial Savings on Energy-Efficient Heat Pumps

Starting November 12, 2024, eligible single-family homeowners in California can apply for HEEHRA rebates on the purchase and installation of heat pump HVAC systems, offering a sustainable solution that can replace traditional electric resistance heating systems. The rebates, managed by the California Energy Commission (CEC), provide significant financial assistance, potentially saving households hundreds annually in energy costs.

Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the dual benefits of these rebates, stating, “Thousands of dollars are now available for California homeowners to install heat pumps, making your home more energy-efficient and reducing your energy bills by hundreds of dollars each year. With these new rebates made possible by the Biden-Harris administration, Californians can save money and take real climate action.” Additional climate action programs are available at climateaction.ca.gov.

CEC Commissioner Andrew McAllister emphasized the efficiency of heat pumps, noting, “We’re excited to announce that owners of single-family homes may apply for HEEHRA rebates on the purchase and installation of an energy-efficient heat pump HVAC. These units make homes more comfortable and can reduce electricity use by up to 75% compared to electric resistance heating such as furnaces. They also work as air conditioners, which an increasing number of Californians now need due to the effects of climate change. HEEHRA helps put this dual-use clean technology within reach of more Californians.”

Eligibility and Rebate Amounts for California Homeowners

Californians can receive rebates ranging from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on household income relative to the area median income (AMI). Homeowners with incomes between 80% and 150% of the AMI may qualify for up to $4,000, while those with incomes under 80% AMI could be eligible for the maximum $8,000 rebate. Homeowners can check their AMI eligibility and begin the rebate application by visiting here.

The program also includes incentives for owners of multifamily buildings. The rebates for multifamily properties went live on October 8, 2024, expanding access to efficient appliances across a broader range of residents.

The CEC’s funding distribution for these rebates is a part of the TECH Clean California initiative, which aims to increase adoption of energy-efficient home appliances across the state. The rebates cover substantial costs for new heat pump systems and can be combined with additional incentives for further savings on electric appliances and equipment upgrades.

Expanding Energy Efficiency Statewide

The CEC’s proactive rollout of rebates reflects California’s leadership in environmental policy. The state has been an early adopter in providing energy efficiency rebates for multifamily buildings, and the expansion to single-family homeowners underscores its commitment to widespread climate resilience.

Keishaa Austin, Principal Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs, commented on California’s leadership, stating, “California was an early mover in setting up and launching their Home Energy Rebates. Now, mere weeks after making the program available for multifamily buildings, they are expanding it to single-family homeowners. Starting today, thanks to the California Energy Commission’s continued commitment to the residents it serves, low- and middle-income Californian homeowners can apply to save thousands of dollars on energy-saving heat pump HVAC units.”

For more details on the available rebates and eligibility requirements, Californians can visit techcleanca.com/heehra for guidance on the application process and to learn more about other incentives that may increase potential savings on energy-efficient home upgrades.

SHOPPERS have just a few hours left to buy a large one litre bottle of Baileys for the cheapest price around.

Fans of the Irish cream liqueur will be delighted that the cost has been cut to just £8.50 ahead of the festive season.

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Morrisons slashed the price of the popular tipple last week (November 8), but the deal is only available until midnight tonight.

Shoppers need to spend £45 or more in-store to get their hands on the discounted drink.

Baileys is famed for its smooth luxurious texture and distinctive taste.

With hints of chocolate and vanilla amongst the combination of Irish whiskey and Irish cream, it’s a tantalising mix.

Customers in England and Wales can get their hands on the beverage for £8.50, while those in Scotland can pick up a bottle for £11.05.

This is a 61% saving on the normal price tag of £22.

According to Britain’s coupon kid Jordan Cox, at this time of year there is always a Baileys price war among supermarkets.

He said: “The standard price drop is usually down to £10 for a 1L bottle… or £9.50 if we’re lucky. So for Morrisons to drop the price to £8.50 is quite astonishing!”

The Morrisons deal is especially good because supermarket prices have been naturally increasing over the years, he added. 

As a seasonal treat, Sainsbury’s also halved the cost of a 1 litre bottle to only £10.

The deal is only available to those with a Nectar Card as part of its Nectar Prices.

Meanwhile, Tesco Clubcard customers can pick up a bottle of Baileys for £13.

The offer is valid for delivery from now until December 9.

It’s worth noting that the prices of items including Baileys can change regularly and deal can start and end at any time.

Though £8.50 is the lowest price we’ve seen so far this festive season, Baileys could still be cheaper between now and Christmas.

Remember to always compare prices when shopping so you know you’re paying the right amount for what you’re getting.

A great way to do this is via the comparison site Trolley which will show the prices for every store.

Supermarkets have increasingly only offered these deals to shoppers who have registered for their loyalty programmes to encourage more people to register.

Shoppers have complained that this is annoying as they could previously get the offers without needing to sign up.

The Morrisons deal is also only available to shoppers who have joined the supermarket’s loyalty scheme and have a More Card.

It is easy to sign up for the loyalty programme, which is free to join.

Simply go to the Morrisons More website and enter a few details such as your address, email and mobile number.

Once you have registered you will be sent a More Card and can download the supermarket’s app.

You will then receive offers which will give you money off your next shop.

To get the prices in store just scan the barcode on your card or in the app.

You will also be able to earn points on your spending which can be converted into coupons.

Once you reach 5,000 points you convert them into £5 vouchers called “Fivers” which you can spend in-store or online.

If you do not have the app then your Fiver will be printed in-store.

When you scan your card or app you will also be in with a chance of bagging a “Basket Bonus” which could give you money off your next shop or free treats.

How else to save on Baileys

To make your pounds go further you could always opt for a Baileys dupe, which is similar to the real thing.

You can pick up a 700ml bottle of Ballycastle cream liqueur from Aldi for £4.99.

A litre of the beverage would cost £7.13, which would save you £1.37.

The Ballycastle range comes in several flavours including Chocolate Clementine, White Chocolate and Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter.

All these flavours can be picked up for £7.49.

Other supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, M&S and Lidl also have their own Baileys dupes.

Sainsbury’s 700ml Irish Cream Liqueur costs £13 but Nectar card holders can pick it up for £10.

It would cost £14.28 for a litre, making it more expensive than a bottle of the real deal from Morrisons.

Meanwhile, a 700ml bottle of Carthy’s Country Cream liqueur costs £6.70.

For a whole litre, it would set you back £9.57, making it more expensive than a bottle of Baileys from Morrisons.

Households Could Save Up to £1,500 a Year with Council Tax Reduction—Check If You’re Eligible

UK households are being urged to check their council tax status, as many could be missing out on valuable reductions worth up to £1,500 per year. With a range of discounts and exemptions available, a quick review could uncover significant annual savings and potentially lead to refunds on overpayments.

Could You Be in the Wrong Council Tax Band?

In England and Scotland, council tax is based on property bands, which often determine how much each household pays. However, thousands of properties may be incorrectly banded, leading to overpayments. If your home is in the wrong band, you could not only be entitled to a lower bill but also a backdated refund. Some households have saved considerable amounts after having their council tax re-evaluated.

To check if your property’s banding is accurate, compare it to similar properties in your area using government websites. A successful revaluation could mean ongoing savings and refunds totaling thousands of pounds.

Council Tax Reductions Worth £1,500 a Year

Certain circumstances can qualify households for reductions worth up to £1,500 annually, helping to ease financial pressures. Some of the most common council tax discounts include:

• Single-Person Discount: Households with only one adult resident can receive a 25% discount on their council tax.
• Student Exemption: Full-time students are typically exempt from council tax, potentially saving hundreds per year.
• Low-Income and Benefits-Based Discounts: Many councils offer reductions for low-income households or those receiving specific benefits.
• Disability Adjustments: Homes adapted for a resident with disabilities may qualify for additional reductions.

Residents are encouraged to check with their local council to explore these options and determine eligibility for these reductions, which can be life-changing for households seeking financial relief.

How to Claim Your Potential Savings

Checking eligibility for council tax reductions is simple and could reveal savings of up to £1,500 annually. Start by confirming your property’s band and exploring relevant discounts. You can contact your local council directly or use online resources to help identify potential savings.

If eligible, you may receive a lower annual bill moving forward and possibly a refund for past overpayments. Taking a few minutes to check could bring substantial relief, ensuring households only pay what they owe.

Aviva has reported that wealth net flows rose to £7.7bn in the third quarter of the year as demand for its adviser platform grows.

Platform net flows were up 76% to £3.1bn, reflecting strong growth in its financial adviser platform business, including Succession Wealth and Direct Wealth.

Aviva said in a trading update today (14 November) that it has achieved another quarter of “strong delivery and profitable growth” across all areas the business.

Protection sales increased by 44% following the completion of the AIG UK protection acquisition in April. The group’s general insurance premiums also rose by 15% to £9.1bn.

Retirement sales are up 67% to £6.1bn, driven by higher demand in the bulk purchase annuity market.

Amanda Blanc, group chief executive, said: “Quarter after quarter, we are delivering consistently superior results and growing Aviva, particularly in the capital-light businesses. General insurance premiums are up 15%, and wealth net flows of £7.7bn are 21% higher, reflecting continued growth in workplace pensions and strong demand from our financial adviser platform business.

“Aviva’s large and growing customer base is a major advantage, contributing to our excellent performance. Over the last four years we have increased customer numbers by 1.2m to 19.6m. We now have five million UK customers with more than one policy and, as the UK’s leading diversified insurer, the potential to grow this further is huge.

“Aviva is financially strong, trading well each quarter, and has significant opportunities for further growth. We are confident about the outlook for the rest of 2024 and beyond, growing the dividend and achieving the Group’s financial targets.”