The $17 Million Secret: 5 Shocking Facts About 722 North Elm Drive, The Infamous Beverly Hills Mansion

The address 722 North Elm Drive in Beverly Hills, California, is one of the most recognizable and notorious properties in American true crime history. While it stands as a magnificent Mediterranean-style villa in the exclusive "The Flats" neighborhood, its opulence is forever overshadowed by the brutal 1989 murders of entertainment executive Jose Menendez and his wife, Kitty, by their sons, Lyle and Erik. As of the current date, December 11, 2025, the mansion continues to generate fresh headlines, most recently due to its significant sale in early 2024, proving that even a dark history cannot entirely diminish the value of prime Beverly Hills real estate.

This deep dive explores the complete history of the infamous estate, from its celebrity residents and stunning architecture to the recent $17 million transaction and the identity of the new owner. The property’s story is a compelling blend of Hollywood glamour, unimaginable tragedy, and the enduring fascination with "murder houses" in high-end markets.

The 722 North Elm Drive Property Profile and Notorious History

The estate at 722 North Elm Drive is a prime example of the luxury architecture found in The Flats, one of Beverly Hills' most desirable and exclusive areas. Its physical profile and sales history tell a story of immense value that persists despite its macabre past. The house is a significant entity in the history of Los Angeles real estate and true crime.

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• Address: 722 North Elm Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
• Neighborhood: The Flats, Beverly Hills
• Architectural Style: Mediterranean Revival Villa
• Year Built: 1927 (Some records indicate a 1948 construction, but 1927 is widely cited for the original structure)
• Size: Approximately 9,063 square feet (sq. ft.) of living space
• Lot Size: Approximately 0.51 acres (22,172 sq. ft.)
• Bedrooms/Bathrooms: Typically listed as 6–7 bedrooms and 8–9 bathrooms
• Notable Feature: Boasts high ceilings, a grand entry with a dramatic circular staircase, and imported Italian limestone flooring
• Infamous Event: Site of the 1989 double murder of Jose and Kitty Menendez by their sons, Lyle and Erik Menendez
• Last Sale Date: March 20, 2024
• Last Sale Price: $17,000,000

The Shocking Celebrity and Ownership History Before the Menendez Tragedy

Long before the Menendez family purchased the home, 722 North Elm Drive had already established a pedigree of wealth and celebrity, adding layers of intrigue to its history. The house was not merely a wealthy family's home; it was a bona fide celebrity enclave.

From Rock Royalty to a Saudi Prince

The mansion's ownership timeline before 1989 is a fascinating list of high-profile names. This history adds significant topical authority to the property, separating it from other infamous murder houses.

One of the most surprising facts about the property is its connection to music royalty. The legendary artist Prince reportedly lived in the home at one point, using it as a private residence in Los Angeles. Following Prince, the house also hosted another global music icon: Elton John. The idea of these two musical titans residing in the same Mediterranean villa that would later become a crime scene adds a surreal, Hollywood-esque quality to the address.

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Additionally, the property was once owned by a Saudi prince, further cementing its status as an international trophy property for the ultra-wealthy. This established history of high-end, celebrity ownership highlights the prestige of the location itself, which is a major factor in its enduring real estate value.

The Menendez Family Era

In 1988, Cuban-American entertainment executive Jose Menendez purchased the estate for his family. Jose Menendez was a powerful figure, serving as an executive at Live Entertainment, and his wealth allowed him to acquire the prestigious home. He lived there with his wife, Kitty Menendez, and their two sons, Lyle Menendez and Erik Menendez.

The family's time at the residence ended tragically on August 20, 1989, when Lyle and Erik fatally shot their parents in the home's den. The subsequent trial became a media sensation, with the address becoming synonymous with the sensational case. The murders and the trial—which focused on claims of abuse versus greed—cemented the home's place in true crime lore.

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The $17 Million Sale: Who Bought the Notorious Mansion in 2024?

Despite its dark past, the property’s location in The Flats, Beverly Hills, ensures its real estate value remains astronomical. The most significant and fresh news regarding 722 North Elm Drive is its recent transaction, which closed in the spring of 2024.

The Massive 2024 Transaction

On March 20, 2024, the mansion sold for a staggering $17,000,000. This sale price is a powerful testament to the axiom of "location, location, location." The fact that a property known worldwide as a "murder house" can command such a high price demonstrates the unique market dynamics of Beverly Hills, where prestige and location often outweigh historical stigma.

The property was reportedly listed off-market for a higher price before the final sale. The transaction was a major piece of real estate news, sparking renewed debate among podcasters and real estate professionals about the ethics and desirability of listing or living in a notorious home.

The New Owner: Sam DeLug

The buyer of the infamous 722 North Elm Drive estate is believed to be Sam DeLug. Sources familiar with the transaction identify DeLug as a successful telecom company executive. The purchase by a high-level corporate executive indicates that the stigma of the house did not deter a buyer from the world of business and technology, reinforcing the property’s status as a high-value asset.

The sale suggests a new chapter for the Mediterranean villa, transitioning from a piece of true crime history back into a private luxury residence for one of Los Angeles’s wealthy elite. The new owner will inherit not only a magnificent home but also the constant, albeit distant, association with the Menendez tragedy.

The Enduring Entities and Topical Authority of the Address

The history of 722 North Elm Drive is a rich tapestry woven with numerous entities that continue to drive public interest and topical authority. The house is a focal point for several distinct, yet interconnected, fields.

True Crime and Pop Culture

The address is one of the most significant entities in the true crime genre, alongside the Tate-LaBianca house and the Amityville Horror house. The ongoing fascination with the Menendez Brothers (Lyle and Erik), whose case continues to be adapted into documentaries, miniseries, and podcasts, ensures that the address remains perpetually relevant. The house itself is a key character in the narrative of the Beverly Hills Murders.

Luxury Real Estate and Architecture

From a real estate perspective, the 9,063 sq. ft. villa is an architectural entity in its own right. Its features—the grand circular staircase, imported Italian limestone, and its location in The Flats—make it a benchmark for luxury properties in the 90210 zip code. The 2024 sale for $17 million serves as a case study in how "stigma" properties perform in a hyper-competitive, high-net-worth market.

Celebrity History and Los Angeles Lore

The presence of former residents like Prince and Elton John elevates the property beyond a simple crime scene. It connects the house to the history of Los Angeles entertainment and music royalty. This blend of darkness and dazzling celebrity is a potent mix that ensures the house's story will continue to be told for decades to come, providing a constant source of topical authority for articles about the property.