What to Know About the Wives of Lyle Menendez and Erik Menendez

What to Know About the Wives of Lyle Menendez and Erik Menendez

As I delve into the captivating narrative of Tammi Saccoman Menendez, the woman who found love amidst chaos and tragedy, I can’t help but marvel at her resilience and compassion. In a world where many would shy away from the controversial and complex, Tammi chose to extend her hand in friendship – and later, love – to a man serving a life sentence for a heinous crime.


Love knows no bounds, but in some cases it does know bars.

Lyle Menendez, aged 56, along with his brother Erik Menendez, 53 years old, have been confined since March 1990 following their initial arrest for the August 20, 1989, slaying of their parents, Jose and Kitty (Mary Louise) Menendez.

Because they were both found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in 1996 after their second court case, they have been imprisoned for life with no chance of ever being released.

However, it was their initial trial in 1993 that significantly boosted Court TV’s popularity and sparked a grand media frenzy, transforming Lyle and Erik into well-known personalities. Initially, they were often viewed as antagonists, but also as tragic characters. Moreover, when the defense suggested that the brothers had been sexually abused by their father, many began to perceive them as victims as well.

In many instances involving criminal defendants, such as convicted murderers, they have found themselves the subject of attraction from multiple women residing outside the confines of their incarceration.

Unfortunately, a new crop of fans enamored with them on TikTok won’t be able to visit in a conjugal sense, as California law prohibits such visits for lifers: Both brothers have been married for over two decades.

In 1999, Erik got married to Tammi Saccoman, while Lyle exchanged wedding vows with his second wife, Rebecca Sneed, in 2003.

In recent times, Tammi has been sharing her husband’s comments through X following the debut of Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series about the case, “Monsters: The Menendez Brothers.” Essentially, Erik has expressed his disapproval towards it. However, Ryan Murphy joked that if the Menendez brothers were watching, they should be sending him flowers instead.

35-year-old case has resurfaced once more in news headlines, particularly due to the fact that Lyle and Erik have consistently had supporters who argue they acted in self-defense. Among these advocates are various family members who held a press conference on October 16, demanding the siblings’ release from prison.

What to Know About the Wives of Lyle Menendez and Erik Menendez

In 2023, lawyers representing the brothers submitted a habeas corpus petition, asking the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to either hold an evidentiary hearing or overturn the convictions and sentences due to newly discovered evidence, such as a letter reportedly penned by Erik in 1988, which suggests he was abused.

Following the family press conference, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón expressed that his office is examining the Menendez case, sharing with NBC News, “I believe there is sufficient evidence suggesting numerous issues within the household.

In the evening, Tammi shared on X: “Erik is deeply moved and greatly touched by the immense display of love and backing he received from his family today. Their faith in him, along with their motivation, concern, compassion, and comprehension, hold a value for him beyond what words can convey.

Pending a final verdict, let’s explore the women who wed Erik and Lyle following their conviction for homicide.

What to Know About the Wives of Lyle Menendez and Erik Menendez

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 he and his brother Erik were given life sentences without the chance of parole for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.

Anna began penning letters to Lyle in 1993, during his initial trial which concluded as a mistrial. The following year, she relocated to California, seeking proximity to him. In the subsequent months-long retrial that commenced in 1995, she proved to be a constant companion. This association culminated in convictions secured in March 1996, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Despite not being able to recite their vows in person, Lyle decided to go ahead with the wedding ceremony over a telephone call. Meanwhile, the groom was in custody while the bride was at defense attorney Leslie Abramson’s office on that day.

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

Back in September of 1996, after Lyle and Erik were separated to different prisons by the California Correctional Institution, spokesman Lt. Jack Pitko confirmed to the LA Times that there was indeed a marriage application process ongoing. He added that since the prisoner adheres to all rules, he sees no reason why he shouldn’t be able to get married if he follows through with the procedure.

In 2001, Anna decided to initiate a divorce following rumors that surfaced, suggesting Lyle was secretly writing letters to other women.

What to Know About the Wives of Lyle Menendez and Erik Menendez

Lyle didn’t hastily get married to Rebecca Sneed, who was around 33 at the time, in November 2003. Instead, they had been acquainted for ten years before their marriage. They initially connected through letters and later met in person, as confirmed by a prison spokesperson when discussing their wedding with the Associated Press.

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

In 2017, Lyle mentioned to People that our chats are generally uninterrupted and often deeper than many conversations between married couples, who may be preoccupied with life’s happenings. At that point, Rebecca resided in Sacramento and reportedly visited every week.

Lyle mentioned that we usually chat on the phone daily, occasionally multiple times a day. He emphasized that his marriage is consistently engaging, which provides him stability, tranquility, and happiness. It serves as a balance against the uncertain, high-stress surroundings we’re in.

Rebecca “put up with a lot,” he acknowledged. “But she has the courage to deal with the obstacles. It would be easier to leave, but I’m profoundly grateful that she doesn’t.”

What to Know About the Wives of Lyle Menendez and Erik Menendez

Erik’s wife Tammi Menendez, who is now 62 years old, was previously married to Chuck Saccoman when she first caught sight of the younger Menendez brother on TV in 1993 and developed a unique affection for the 22-year-old man standing trial for murder.

Later on, according to what she shared with People magazine, she discussed with her husband that she intended to correspond with Erik, and Chuck granted his approval for it.

Erik shared with the press, “Upon reading Tammi’s letter, I experienced an unusual emotion. Out of all the letters I’ve received, this one stood out. It stirred something within me, so I responded. Over time, we exchanged more letters. Writing to her was a delight for me. Our friendship developed gradually and was unique because it wasn’t connected to the trial or media. Tammi was an individual outside the chaos.

Initially, Tammi expressed doubts about the brothers’ claim of abuse when she wrote her book “They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life With Erik Menendez” in 2005. Additionally, she revealed to MSNBC that Erik had a long-term girlfriend early on in their relationship.

1996 saw Tammi uncover the fact that Chuck had been mistreating his teenage child from a past relationship – a revelation she has documented in her book and discussions. At the time, they were both parents to an infant girl who was just nine months old.

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

What to Know About the Wives of Lyle Menendez and Erik Menendez

In the year 2005, I shared my grief with Erik following Chuck’s passing, as I recounted to a publishing house. He provided solace during my difficult time, and our correspondence gradually evolved, assuming a more profound and thoughtful character.

In August 1997, during their first face-to-face encounter at Folsom State Prison, Tammi openly acknowledged feeling quite anxious, or put differently, she confessed to being genuinely apprehensive.

She clarified, “Erik had never seen my image before; all he’d received was a tiny, 1-pixel square picture. However, as soon as he entered the room, his enthusiasm was palpable – he bounded down the stairs. It felt like I was reuniting with an old acquaintance.

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

What to Know About the Wives of Lyle Menendez and Erik Menendez

They have been a couple since then, but Tammi admits that not having regular visits can sometimes be challenging for her.

In December 2005, during an interview on MSNBC, she explained their daily ritual: “A kiss as you arrive, a kiss as you depart,” which can be quite challenging to maintain, as some might not fully grasp. The hand-holding aspect is particularly tough for many.

Erik mentioned that he made an effort to avoid considering the possibility that his sentence would be permanent, meaning he would never leave prison.

He shared in an interview with People magazine back in 2005 that Tammi is his source of strength. When he contemplates the reality of her absence, he feels deep sadness and a primal fear that overwhelms him, causing him to break out into a cold sweat. The thought is so terrifying that he has yet to fully accept it.

However, in a brighter perspective, Erik shared that Tammi had additionally instructed him on “being a good spouse.” He mentioned, “There’s no ‘makeup sex,’ instead, it’s a 15-minute phone conversation. So, you truly need to put effort into making things work.

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2024-10-19 16:19