Craig "Clout Chaser" Cignarelli

Craig Cignarelli was the former friend of Erik Menendez. Craig Cignarelli claimed that Erik confessed to killing his parents two days after the murders and that Erik retold him a specific version of the killings.

Craig Cignarelli and Erik Menendez 

Craig Cignarelli’s Retelling of the Murders

Craig Cignarelli also claimed that he was at the Beverly Hills home when a computer tech was there.

However, Casey Whalen, another friend of Erik Menendez said that he was the one in the Beverly Hills home. The computer tech and his pregnant wife claimed that it was Craig Cignarelli who was there but the description they gave was of a young woman with a big build and sandy hair, which describes Casey Whalen as he was a football player with a big build and he has sandy colored hair. Craig Cignarelli had dark hair and was thinner than Casey.

Casey Whalen’s Testimony About Craig Cignarelli

Jose Menendez disliked Craig because both Craig and Erik were involved in burglaries. Now, what I find interesting about this is that Erik came from a wealthy family, he didn’t need to steal. This behavior could have been a way to cope with everything going on. Children who have been abused can act out in many ways, boys tend to act out in rebellious ways as a cry for help.

Jose Menendez even threatened to kill Craig Cignarelli when he returned to the Menendez home after Craig and Erik got caught by the police. Edward Fenno who was a friend of Lyle Menendez was staying at the house at the time and heard the altercation between Jose Menendez and Craig Cignarelli.

Edward Fenno’s Testimony About Craig Cignarelli

Douglas Doss, the former tennis coach of both Erik Menendez and Craig Cignarelli says that Craig Cignarelli bragged about being involved in the case and that he could get book deals and movie deals because he was involved in the case.

Douglas Doss’ Testimony About Craig Cignarelli

Time Stamp: (2:49:20-2:51:44)

Casey Whalen’s mother testified as well and she says that Craig Cignarelli told her that he was writing a screenplay about the murders.

Casey Whalen’s Mother Testimony About Craig Cignarelli

I believe that Craig Cignarelli was motivated by money and fame to testify against his friend.