Erik Menendez’s Wife Celebrates His Birthday After Resentencing Delay

Erik Menendez's Wife Celebrates His Birthday After Resentencing Delay

As I delve into the lives of these extraordinary women, I am struck by their resilience and unwavering love, even amidst adversity. Tammi Menendez, for instance, found solace in a man who was once a tabloid sensation. She met Erik while he was serving a life sentence, yet she stood by him, comforted him, and eventually became his wife.


Erik Menendez is getting birthday wishes from afar. 

Two days following the postponement of Erik Menendez’s resentencing hearing, his wife Tammi Menendez, who had expressed her hope that he would be released for his 54th birthday, expressed her appreciation in a touching message on this special day, acknowledging the support of his well-wishers.

On November 27th, Tammi posted on X (previously known as Twitter): “Happy Birthday Erik!” This special day marks Erik’s 35th birthday while he’s in prison. A big thank you to everyone worldwide for the heartwarming Happy Birthday videos for Erik!

In a recent development, Tammi shared her thoughts for the first time following the court hearing on November 25th, where Judge Michael Jesic delayed the rescheduling of Erik and Lyle’s resentencing hearing from December 11th to January 30th and 31st. This extension was granted to provide District Attorney-elect Nathan Hochman with sufficient time to scrutinize case files before taking over the position.

Initially arrested for the murders of their parents Jose Menendez and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez when they were 18 and 21 respectively, Erik and Lyle were set to appear in court after 28 years via video call on November 25th. However, a technical problem prevented them from making their appearance as planned.

In the latest court hearing, Erik and Lyle’s older relatives from both families (who are the eldest sisters of their parents) were granted permission to testify. They did so based on their health issues and advanced age, even though the date had been rescheduled.

Terracita Menendez Bara, who is 85 years old and Jose’s sister, stated on November 25th as reported by the Los Angeles Times, expressed her sentiment that “35 years feels like a significant length of time, particularly when you are only 18 or 21. I believe it’s high time for them to return home.

Joan VanderMole, Kitty’s 93-year-old sister, similarly offered a testimony, expressing regret that her sister did not intervene when it was alleged that Kitty’s husband abused Erik and Lyle sexually.

Erik Menendez's Wife Celebrates His Birthday After Resentencing Delay

She stated in court, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, “No child should suffer as Erik and Lyle did at their father’s hands.” She continued, expressing her deep sorrow that their aunt Kitty was aware of the situation but didn’t intervene. She added that these children never knew when they might be subjected to rape, emphasizing the urgent need for them to return home.

Tammi has persistently worked towards securing her husband’s freedom from prison as well. Interestingly, Lyle’s wife, Rebecca Sneed, recently admitted that they are no longer together. However, despite their separation, she has been vocal about advocating for her ex-husband’s release and has managed to maintain a connection with him.

Continue to learn more about Tammi, Rebecca, and other women who have stood by Erik and Lyle throughout their almost 35-year prison sentence.

Erik Menendez's Wife Celebrates His Birthday After Resentencing Delay

On July 2, 1996, when Lyle Menendez was already 28 years old, he married model and salon receptionist Anna Eriksson. This was the same day that Lyle and his brother Erik were given a life sentence without the chance of parole for the murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, which occurred in 1989.

Anna began penning letters to Lyle in 1993 during his initial trial, which concluded as a mistrial. Subsequently, she relocated to California the year after, to be close to him. She served as a constant support during the lengthy retrial that commenced in 1995 and culminated in convictions in March 1996, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Despite needing to personally exchange their vows, Lyle opted for a unique approach – he made his wedding promises via telephone. Meanwhile, the groom was under arrest, and the bride was present at Leslie Abramson’s legal office.

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

In response to Lyle and Erik being separated to different prisons in September 1996, California Correctional Institution spokesman Lt. Jack Pitko informed the LA Times that there was indeed a marriage process available. He added that, as long as the rules were followed, he saw no reason why they shouldn’t be allowed to get married if a spot became available on the waiting list.

As a lifestyle advisor, I’d put it this way: In 2001, I made the difficult decision to file for divorce, following credible accounts that my husband had been writing correspondence with other women.

Erik Menendez's Wife Celebrates His Birthday After Resentencing Delay

Lyle didn’t hastily tie the knot with journalist Rebecca Sneed, who was around 33 at the time of their marriage in November 2003. Instead, he had known her for ten years beforehand. Their connection started through letters and later progressed to face-to-face meetings, as a prison representative shared with the Associated Press when confirming the wedding news.

The event transpired at Mule Creek State Prison, located not far from Sacramento – a place where Lyle had been living 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 shared with People that our conversations are usually undisturbed and we might engage in deeper, more personal talks than many married couples who are often preoccupied by life’s happenings. At that point, Rebecca resided in Sacramento and was reported to make weekly visits.

Lyle mentioned that we chat on the phone daily, occasionally multiple times a day. He shared that his marriage is consistently engaging, which provides him with stability, tranquility, and happiness. This strong bond serves as a balancing force against the uncertain, high-stress atmosphere at work.

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.”

Erik Menendez's Wife Celebrates His Birthday After Resentencing Delay

Despite the prospect of a potential re-sentencing or release for Lyle and Erik in the not-too-distant future, Rebecca clarified that she and Lyle have already parted ways.

She shared on her Facebook page on November 22 that she and Lyle have been apart for some time but still consider each other close friends and family. She continues to manage his social media accounts with his input, and her dedication to their ongoing quest for freedom, which has been clear over the years, remains unwavering.

She stated, “I’ll keep informing everyone about the advancements in the case as it unfolds since we share a mutual aim: ensuring their release. Rest assured, I won’t cease my efforts in their defense.

Since gossip from tabloids doesn’t cease even at the prison boundaries, the post additionally mentioned, “This is NOT about infidelity.

Erik Menendez's Wife Celebrates His Birthday After Resentencing Delay

In 1993, Tammi Menendez, now 62 years old, was married to someone else when she first saw the younger Menendez brother on TV. Her heart unexpectedly resonated with the 22-year-old man who stood accused of murder.

Later on, as she shared with People magazine, she disclosed to her spouse that she intended to pen a letter to Erik. In response, Chuck granted her his approval.

Erik shared with the press, “Upon reading Tammi’s letter, I had an unusual sensation. Among all the letters I’ve received, this one stood out for me. It evoked a response within me,” he said. “So, I responded to her. Over time, Tammi and I exchanged more letters. I found joy in our correspondence. Our friendship grew gradually, and it held a unique significance to me because it wasn’t connected to the trial or the media. Tammi was an individual outside the chaos.

Initially, Tammi had her doubts about the brothers’ claim of abuse when they presented it in 2005 as detailed in her book They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life With Erik Menendez. She also disclosed to MSNBC that Erik mentioned having a girlfriend for several years from the start.

However, it was revealed in 1996, as Tammi disclosed in her book and discussions, that Chuck had been physically harming his teenage daughter from a past relationship. At the same time, they were both caring for their 9-month-old child together.

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

Erik Menendez's Wife Celebrates His Birthday After Resentencing Delay

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

Tammi admitted she was “really nervous” when she finally met Erik in person at Folsom State Prison in August 1997.

She clarified that Erik had never seen her image as all he’d received was a minuscule 1×1 picture. However, upon entering the room, Erik radiated such vitality that he seemed to bounce down the steps. It felt as if she were reconnecting with an old acquaintance.

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

Erik Menendez's Wife Celebrates His Birthday After Resentencing Delay

They’ve remained a couple since then, but Tammi admits that not having regular visits can be challenging.

She explained on MSNBC in December 2005 that a custom she had was to give a kiss when arriving and a kiss when departing. She added, “Holding hands is also part of it, and this aspect can be quite challenging for some, as not everyone may fully comprehend.

Erik mentioned that he made an effort to avoid contemplating the possibility that he might remain imprisoned for the rest of his life.

He shared in an interview with People magazine in 2005 that Tammi is his source of strength. Speaking about the sentence brings him great sadness and a deep, instinctual fear. The mere thought of it makes him break out in a cold sweat. It’s something so terrifying that he hasn’t been able to fully accept or cope with it yet.

However, on a brighter side, Tammi had shown him the skills of being a devoted spouse, Erik mentioned. “Instead of ‘makeup sex,’ there’s just a 15-minute phone conversation, which means you truly need to strive to keep things running smoothly.

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2024-11-27 19:48