Menendez Brothers’ Lawyer Claims Parole Hearings Were “Rigged”

by

The Menendez brothers’ lawyer Mark Geragos is speaking out.

After a span of days, following separate hearings where Erik Menendez and Lyle Menendez were both denied parole, having served 30 years for the 1989 murders of their parents José Menendez and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, their legal representative voiced concerns regarding the ruling.

As a dedicated follower, I can’t help but express my strong conviction that something wasn’t on the level. If you doubt me, just reach out to any of the family members. Shockingly, even I was the odd one out, as it seems only the District Attorney’s Office believed otherwise.

He went on to say, “You’re curious about the reality behind this? Here’s the deal: If you had the power to give them truth serum, they would confess that it was all fixed. If people knew about the deceitful actions taking place during these hearings, there would be a strong public uprising.

During Lyle’s hearing, the attorney claimed that a commissioner compared Lyle’s cell phone usage to behavior associated with gang activity, suggesting it poses a threat to corrections officers.

In essence, Geragos claimed that the prisoners possess both tablets and phones. They are charged per minute of use, but the only group that does not financially benefit or get affected negatively by cell phone usage within the prisons are the for-profit providers themselves.

What’s your opinion on how cell phones end up in prisons? Could it be that drones are delivering them, or is it more likely that the guards are bringing them in and selling them to the inmates?

In response, Tammi Menendez, Erik’s spouse, echoed Geragos’ viewpoint after the 54-year-old’s parole hearing.

Robert Barton, the Parole Commissioner, seemed determined from the outset to reject Erik’s parole request, as Tammi expressed in a post on X following the Aug. 21 ruling. According to her, the entire process was fixed and Erik didn’t have much of a chance from the start; she used the hashtag #Injustice to express her sentiment about the situation.

Apart from mentioning Barton’s justification for refusing Erik’s parole, she highlighted previous misconducts during his imprisonment, such as physical altercations that occurred earlier in his term, along with the discovery of a prohibited cell phone.

Since 2011, Erik has been free of any disciplinary actions, with the exception of carrying a cell phone.

For a closer look at the brothers and their personal lives, keep reading…

As an ardent admirer looking back, I can’t help but reflect on my life-changing moment. On July 2, 1996, despite the shadows cast by our past, I, Lyle Menendez, exchanged vows with the radiant Anna Eriksson, a model and salon receptionist, in the midst of the sentencing that had sealed our fate alongside my brother Erik. The day marked not only the start of a new journey for us but also served as a stark reminder of the consequences we faced for the tragic events of 1989, when we were convicted for the brutal murders of our parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.

In 1993, Anna began sending letters to Lyle while he was on trial for the first time, which ended inconclusively. The following year, she relocated to California to be closer to him. She proved a constant support during the lengthy retrial that started in 1995 and concluded with convictions in March 1996, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Despite not being able to take their vows in person, Lyle ended up getting married over a conference call. With the groom in police custody and the bride at defense attorney Leslie Abramson’s office, the unusual wedding ceremony took place.

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

In September 1996, after Lyle and Erik were instructed to be housed in different prisons, Lt. Jack Pitko of California Correctional Institution shared with the LA Times that there was indeed a possibility for one of them to get married, as long as they adhered to all the rules. However, he also mentioned that due to a waiting list, it wasn’t guaranteed immediately.

In 2001, Anna reportedly decided to file for divorce as it was said that she discovered Lyle had been corresponding with other women, based on several news reports.

Lyle didn’t make a hasty decision when he married Rebecca Sneed, who was around 33 years old at the time, in November 2003. He had been acquainted with her for ten years, initially through written correspondence and later through personal meetings, as confirmed by a prison spokesperson to the Associated Press regarding their marriage.

The event occurred at Mule Creek State Prison, situated close to Sacramento, where Lyle stayed until his reunion with Erik in 2018, which transpired at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility located in southern San Diego County.

The event happened at Mule Creek State Prison, close to Sacramento, where Lyle remained until he joined forces with Erik in 2018, an encounter that took place at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in southern San Diego County.

In 2017, Lyle shared with People magazine that our conversations are typically undisturbed and we might engage in deeper, personal talks more often than many married couples, who are often preoccupied by daily life occurrences. At that time, Rebecca was residing in Sacramento and was reported to make regular visits.

In simpler terms, Lyle mentioned that they often chat on the phone daily, sometimes multiple times a day. He shared that his marriage is very consistent and supportive, which helps him maintain balance amidst the unstable and high-stress work environment, providing him with much peace and happiness. It serves as a contrast to his demanding work life.

Rebecca “endured much,” he conceded. “However, she possesses the bravery to confront challenges. It would be simpler for her to depart, but I’m deeply appreciative that she chooses not to.”

OR

He admitted that Rebecca had gone through a lot. “Yet, she shows immense courage in facing difficulties. Leaving would have been easier, but I’m profoundly thankful that she doesn’t.”

Both paraphrased sentences maintain the original meaning and flow smoothly.

As a devoted follower, I find myself reflecting upon the recent turn of events. Although the initial euphoria surrounding the case of Lyle and Erik has yet to result in a definitive decision regarding their potential resentencing and release, I must share that I have parted ways with Lyle personally.

In my own words, here’s how I’d rephrase it: “For a while now, Lyle and I have gone our separate ways, but we’re more than just friends – we’re family. On his official Facebook page on November 22nd, I penned down that I’m still managing the pages, working closely with him, and my dedication to fighting for their freedom remains unwavering. Over the years, this commitment has been clearly demonstrated.

She stated, “I will keep providing updates about the case’s advancement as I am convinced that we share a collective aim: ensuring their release. Rest assured, my efforts on their behalf will never cease.

To ensure clarity amidst persistent gossip from tabloids even beyond the prison walls, the post further clarified, “This situation is NOT about infidelity.

Erik’s current spouse, Tammi Menendez (now 62 years old), had been married to Chuck Saccoman at the time when she first saw the younger Menendez brother on television in 1993. This 22-year-old murder suspect captured a special spot in her heart.

Later on, as she shared with People magazine, she conveyed to her husband that she intended to pen a letter to Erik. Upon hearing this, Chuck gave his approval.

Erik shared with the press, “Upon reading Tammi’s letter, I experienced an unusual emotion. Among the countless letters I receive, this one stood out to me. It gave me a certain sense of it, so I decided to respond. A connection between Tammi and I was established and we exchanged more letters. Writing to her was something I looked forward to. Our friendship developed gradually and was unique because it didn’t stem from the trial or the media frenzy. Tammi was a breath of fresh air amidst the chaos.

In my perspective as a lifestyle expert, when I delved into Tammi’s 2005 book titled “They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life With Erik Menendez,” I initially harbored doubts about the brothers’ claim of abuse as a defense. Furthermore, during an early interview with MSNBC, Erik himself confided that he had been in a long-term relationship with a girlfriend.

1996 saw the revelation by Tammi, as she recounts in her book and discussions, that Chuck had been mistreating his teenager daughter from a past relationship. At that time, they were both parents to an infant girl.

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

In 2005, she mentioned to a publication that after Chuck’s passing, she contacted Erik. He provided comfort to her, and their correspondence gradually became more profound.

In a straightforward manner, Tammi openly confessed that she was quite anxious when she eventually came face-to-face with Erik at Folsom State Prison in August 1997.

Erik hadn’t seen my appearance as I had just sent him a minuscule 1×1 image. However, upon his entrance, his vibrant energy reminded me of someone I’ve known for a long time. He seemed to leap down the stairs, making it feel like I was reuniting with an old friend.

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

They have been a couple ever since, but Tammi admitted that the absence of regular visits can sometimes prove challenging.

In December 2005, she explained a regular ritual on MSNBC: a kiss upon arrival, another upon departure. She added that while holding hands might seem simple, many people struggle to comprehend its emotional depth.

Instead of focusing on the possibility that Erik might always remain in prison, he made an effort to avoid contemplating this prospect.

He shared with People magazine in 2005 that Tammi is his source of strength. He finds it difficult to contemplate the sentence as it fills him with deep sadness and a primal fear, causing him to break out in cold sweats. It’s something so terrifying that he hasn’t yet found a way to accept it.

However, with a more positive outlook, Erik shared that Tammi had not only instructed him on becoming a good spouse, but emphasized the importance of genuine effort in maintaining their relationship. In her teachings, there was no concept of “makeup sex,” but rather a crucial 15-minute conversation to address and resolve issues.

Read More

2025-08-23 23:47