Jesus Menendez is the brother of Fernando Menendez.
In 2003, he was arrested by LAPD detectives Howard Kurlen and Don Grafton for the murder of Martha Renteria, and represented by criminal defense attorney, Mickey Haller. Based on the evidence against Menendez, Haller convinced the man to plead guilty to the murder in order to avoid the death penalty.
Menendez was incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison after his plea agreement. In March of 2005, he was visited by Haller, who questioned him again regarding his claims of innocence in the Renteria case. Haller later exonerated by Menendez by identifying Martha's real killer. Unfortunately, Menendez contracted HIV while in prison. Despite Haller's role in getting him released, Menendez blamed Haller for the plea agreement and he sued Haller for malpractice and violation of legal ethics.
Portrayal[]
In the 2011 film, Menendez's name was changed to Jesus Martinez, and he was played by Michael Peña.