Menendez Brothers Case: Erik Menendez Denied Parole

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One of the Menendez brothers’ fate has been decided.

Following Judge Michael Jesic’s decision that both Erik Menendez and Lyle Menendez could be considered for parole during their resentencing in May, it was the parole board’s turn to determine, on August 21st, whether Erik would be granted supervised release.

After a 10-hour long court proceeding, Erik’s plea was turned down, meaning he’ll continue to stay in prison. In three years, NBC News reports, he may reapply for parole.

His brother Lyle will appear before a parole board on Aug. 22. 

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that sentence as follows: Three months ago, the sentences for those convicted of the 1989 murders of Jose Menendez and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez were modified. Originally, they were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, but this has now been changed to a term of 50 years to life, with the potential for parole eligibility.

Upon learning the judge’s decision, the brothers – who claim they committed the murders due to having been sexually abused by their father – showed clear signs of emotion in their reaction.

Speaking with profound regret, I acknowledge that I’ve made a grave mistake, one that has claimed the lives of my beloved parents. There’s no sugarcoating it or making excuses; I own up to my actions wholeheartedly.

Thirty-five years on, he expressed profound regret about the person he once was. He admitted to feeling fearful, but also harboring intense anger during that time.

Instead of making this promise, the 57-year-old stated that upon being granted parole and freed from prison, he intended to contribute positively by working alongside individuals facing challenges within the imprisoned community, becoming part of the solution rather than the problem.

As he put it, “I made a promise I would never use violence to solve a problem.”

In his own words, Erik, who had recently experienced two medical procedures due to kidney stone issues only a few weeks prior to the parole hearing, likewise expressed that he acknowledges and accepts “complete accountability” for the tragic loss of their parents.

In his virtual court appearance in May, as reported by NBC News, he openly acknowledged that he made every effort to avoid being caught for the crime. He also stated unequivocally that he bears full responsibility for everything related to it.

Acknowledging that he caused deep sorrow amongst his extended family, the 54-year-old expressed regret that such tragic events occurred and wished they hadn’t taken place.

He apologized for his deceit, admitting that earlier, he and Lyle had tried to avoid taking any blame for the murders. But there’s simply no justification for his actions.

For more on the brothers and their personal lives, keep reading…

28-year-old Lyle Menendez tied the knot with model and salon receptionist Anna Eriksson on July 2, 1996. Remarkably, this was the same day that he and his brother, Erik Menendez, were sentenced to life imprisonment without the chance of parole, for their crime of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, which occurred in 1989.

Anna began corresponding with Lyle in 1993 during his inaugural trial, which concluded inconclusively. The next year, she relocated to California to be close to him. She stood as a consistent figure throughout the lengthy retrial that commenced in 1995 and culminated in convictions in March 1996, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Despite not being able to make their vows in person, Lyle chose to proceed with the ceremony over a conference call. In this unique situation, the groom was in police custody, while the bride was present at the office of defense attorney Leslie Abramson.

He seemingly hoped to be able to wed Anna in person, once he knew where he’d end up.

Back in September of 1996, as Lyle and Erik were being relocated to different prisons by California Correctional Institution, their spokesman, Lt. Jack Pitko, shared with the LA Times that we indeed had a marriage process ongoing. He further mentioned that due to a waiting list, it might take some time, but if all rules are followed, I don’t see any reason why they shouldn’t be allowed to get married.

In 2001, Anna reportedly decided to file for divorce, as it was claimed that she discovered Lyle was corresponding with other women through written letters.

Lyle took his time before marrying Rebecca Sneed, who was approximately 33, in November 2003. They had been acquainted for ten years, initially through letters and subsequently through personal meetings, as confirmed by a prison representative to the Associated Press upon announcing their marriage.

The event was held at Mule Creek State Prison, located not far from Sacramento – a place where Lyle had been staying until his reunion with Erik in 2018, which took place at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility situated in southern San Diego County.

In 2017, Lyle explained to People that our conversations are generally undistracted and, it seems, we engage in deeper, more intimate discussions than many married couples who are often preoccupied by everyday life occurrences. At that time, Rebecca resided in Sacramento and was reportedly visiting every week.

Lyle mentioned that we often chat on the phone daily, even multiple times a day. He shared that his marriage is quite consistent and engaging, providing him stability, tranquility, and happiness. This is a balancing force against the uncertain, highly stressful circumstances around us.

Rebecca “endured numerous challenges,” he conceded. “Yet, she possesses the bravery to face them head-on. Leaving would have been simpler, but I am deeply appreciative that she chooses not to.

Since their time in court is approaching, where they may receive a new sentence and potentially be released soon, Rebecca disclosed that she and Lyle have parted ways.

She posted on her Facebook page on November 22 that she and Lyle have been apart for some time yet remain close friends and family. I still manage his social media pages with his input, and I am steadfast in my dedication to the ongoing struggle for Lyle and Erik’s release, as my actions over the years have shown.

She stated, “I’ll keep you informed about the advancements in the case as I firmly believe we share a mutual aim: securing their release. Rest assured, I won’t cease my efforts on their behalf.

To put it simply and clearly, the statement also made it clear that this incident was not related to any cheating scandal, as false gossip persists even beyond the prison walls.

In 1993, Tammi Menendez (now 62), who was previously married to Chuck Saccoman, first saw the younger Menendez brother on television when he was a 22-year-old murder suspect. This sight ignited a unique affection in her heart for him.

Later on, as she shared with People magazine, she communicated to her spouse that she intended to correspond with Erik. Chuck offered his approval for this action.

As an ardent admirer, I couldn’t help but feel stirred upon reading Tammi’s letter. Out of countless letters I’ve received, this one stood out, and I chose to keep it aside. A sense of connection washed over me, and so, I penned a response.

Tammi and I embarked on a unique correspondence that followed. Writing to her became a delightful pastime. Our friendship blossomed slowly, but it held a significant appeal for me because it was untouched by the tumult of the trial and the relentless media attention. Tammi was a breath of fresh air amidst the chaos.

Initially, Tammi had her doubts about the brothers’ claim of abuse in their defense, as she outlined in her 2005 book “They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life With Erik Menendez”. Furthermore, Tammi shared with MSNBC that Erik disclosed having a girlfriend of several years from the start.

In 1996, it was revealed by Tammi through her written account in her book and various interviews that Chuck had been physically abusing their teenage daughter from a past relationship. At the time, they were both raising a 9-month-old child together.

Chuck turned himself into police and died by suicide two days later, according to People.

In 2005, she shared that after Chuck passed away, she contacted Erik for support. He provided solace and our correspondence gradually took on a deeper, more thoughtful nature.

Tammi confessed that she felt extremely anxious when she first encountered Erik in person at Folsom State Prison, back in August 1997.

Erik had never seen my appearance before, as all he’d received from me was a miniature, 1×1 image. Yet, upon entering the room, his energy was infectious – he practically bounded down the stairs. It felt as if I was reuniting with a long-lost friend.

They married in 1999, a Twinkie serving as their wedding cake. 

Since then, they have remained a couple, but Tammi has admitted that enduring without regular visits can be challenging for her.

In my dedication to sharing, I described a cherished routine back in December 2005 during an interview on MSNBC. It involves a warm kiss every time you arrive and depart. While holding hands might seem ordinary, the emotional depth behind it can often be underestimated by others.

Erik mentioned that he made an effort to avoid contemplating the possibility that his imprisonment might be permanent.

In an interview with People in 2005, he shared that Tammi is his source of strength. He struggles to even think about the sentence because it fills him with profound sadness and a deep-seated fear. This thought makes him feel chilled to the bone. It’s so terrifying that he hasn’t yet been able to fully accept it.

However, on a brighter side, Tammi had not only guided him on being a thoughtful spouse, as Erik mentioned; she instilled in him the idea that there’s no such thing as “makeup sex,” but rather a significant 15-minute conversation to mend issues, emphasizing the importance of genuine efforts to maintain harmony.

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2025-08-22 05:17