Tammi Menendez’s Joy as Erik Inches Closer to Parole

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Tammi Menendez is expressing her gratitude.

One day following Judge Michael Jesic’s decision to modify the life-imprisonment-without-parole sentences of Erik Menendez and his brother Lyle Menendez in Los Angeles County to 50 years to life, making them parole-eligible, Erik’s spouse expressed her feelings with a brief message to supporters.

Thank you very much!

At a recent retrial hearing on May 13th, the judge determined that Erik (married to Tammi in 1999), Tammi’s spouse who is also 54 years old, and Lyle, aged 57, qualified for re-sentencing. The judge promptly issued revised sentencing guidelines following his decision.

The brothers have spent 35 years behind bars since their conviction for first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, which occurred in 1996. Their trial took place in 1993, but it ended without a verdict due to a hung jury. As a result, they were retried in 1995. The victims of these crimes were their parents, José Menendez and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez.

Before announcing his decision about releasing them, the judge stated that it wouldn’t be reasonable for him to declare they pose an unacceptable danger if freed from prison.

Under California’s law for young offenders, Erik (who was 18) and Lyle (who was 21) become eligible for parole now, since they carried out their crimes when they were below the age of 26.

The outcome regarding the siblings now rests with the State’s Board of Parole Hearings, who have set a hearing on June 13 to evaluate if they are fit for release. If deemed suitable, the decision will be reviewed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Additionally, their legal team has submitted an application for clemency from the governor in a separate attempt to gain freedom, which was done back in October.

At their recent retrial, Erik and Lyle (participating remotely) expressed regret and acknowledged their guilt in the murder of their parents, whom they claimed had subjected them to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse for extended periods prior to the incident.

Erik admitted to the court, as reported by NBC News, that his actions were unlawful, self-centered, heartless, and cowardly. He conceded that he has no defense or reason for his misdeeds.

Lyle personally declared in court, acknowledging that he was the one who took the lives of his mother and father. He doesn’t attempt to justify his actions and accepts complete accountability for them.

He stated that he had been in a situation where he relied excessively on Erik due to their mutual experience with trauma. After 35 years, Lyle now feels profoundly ashamed about his past self. Furthermore, he emphasized that he had sworn never to resort to violence as a means to resolve conflicts.

LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who previously expressed opposition towards the resentencing hearing, issued a statement expressing that the decision to re-sentence Erik and Lyle Menendez was a “tremendous one with far-reaching consequences for the affected families, the community, and the very foundations of justice.

He stated, “Submitting our office’s requests to retract the resentencing motion previously filed by the prior administration allowed the Court to consider all relevant details before reaching such a significant decision.

Regarding the brothers’ legal team, one of their attorneys, Mark Geragos, displayed a positive outlook for their upcoming situation.

He shared with reporters, following their resentencing, that redemption can indeed occur. Remarkable work has been accomplished by the Menendez brothers, making today a truly noteworthy day.

Read on for more on the brothers and their personal lives.

28-year-old Lyle Menendez exchanged vows with model and salon receptionist Anna Eriksson on July 2, 1996. This was the same day that he and his brother Erik Menendez were given a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.

Anna began corresponding with Lyle in 1993 during his initial trial that ended inconclusively. After this, she relocated to California the following year to be close to him. She was a consistent figure throughout the retrial that started in 1995 and extended for several months, culminating in convictions in March 1996, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Despite being unable to exchange their vows in person, Lyle opted for a unique approach by saying his vows via telephone. In this scenario, the groom was under arrest, while the bride was present in the office of renowned 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 1996, when Lyle and Erik were instructed to be housed in different prisons by California Correctional Institution, spokesman Lt. Jack Pitko shared with the LA Times that there was indeed a marital process ongoing. He further added that since he adheres to all the rules, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be allowed to get married if a spot becomes available on the waiting list.

In 2001, Anna decided to initiate a divorce proceedings, as it was reported that she had discovered Lyle was writing letters to other females.

Lyle didn’t hastily get married to Rebecca Sneed, who was reportedly 33 at the time, in November 2003. Instead, they had been acquainted for ten years before their union. Their friendship started with letters and eventually progressed to face-to-face meetings, as confirmed by a prison spokesperson when discussing the marriage with the Associated Press.

Back in 2018, I was over the moon when the long-awaited reunion took place – right at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility nestled in the heart of southern San Diego County, a stone’s throw away from where Erik had been residing all along, Mule Creek State Prison, just outside Sacramento.

In 2017, Lyle stated to People that our exchanges are typically devoid of disruptions, and we may engage in deeper conversations than many married couples who are often preoccupied by life’s happenings. At the moment, Rebecca resided in Sacramento and was reportedly visiting on a weekly basis.

Lyle mentioned that we usually chat on the phone daily, or even multiple times a day. He emphasized that his marriage is stable and engaging, which provides him with consistency, comfort, and happiness. It serves as a balance against the uncertain, highly stressful surroundings in which he finds himself.

Rebecca “has shown great resilience” he admitted. “She bravely confronts the challenges we face. It might seem simpler to move on, but I am deeply thankful that she chooses not to.

Following the development, it’s been made clear that Lyle and Erik may soon face a decision regarding their potential release and sentencing anew. In this context, Rebecca has disclosed that she and Lyle are no longer together.

As a devoted admirer, I’ve been apart from him for some time now, yet we’re still the closest of friends and family. On this very Facebook page, I continue our shared work, receiving his guidance every step of the way. My unwavering dedication remains steadfast in the ongoing struggle for their freedom – a commitment that has shone brightly throughout our years together.

She expressed, “I’ll keep you informed about the advancements in the case as it moves forward, as I firmly believe that we share a collective aim – the freedom of these men. Rest assured, my efforts in their defense will be relentless.

Moreover, since gossip from tabloids doesn’t cease even at the prison boundaries, the post additionally mentioned, “This is absolutely not a case of infidelity.

Erik’s spouse, Tammi Menendez (now 62 years old), was wedded to Chuck Saccoman when she first noticed the younger Menendez brother on television in 1993 and felt a unique affection for the 22-year-old man standing trial for murder.

According to what she shared with People later on, she communicated to her husband that she intended to correspond with Erik, and Chuck granted his approval for this action.

In a conversation with the press, Erik shared, “Upon reading Tammi’s letter, I experienced an unusual sensation. Among all the letters I’ve received, this one stood out to me. It stirred something within me,” he explained. “I responded to her. Subsequently, Tammi and I exchanged more letters. I found pleasure in our correspondence. Our bond grew gradually, and it held a unique appeal for me because it wasn’t connected to the trial or the media. Tammi was an individual outside the chaos.

In my own words, when Tammi wrote her book “They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life With Erik Menendez” in 2005, I, too, had my reservations about the brothers’ claim of abuse as a defense. Interestingly, she also shared that during our initial interactions, Erik hinted at having been in a long-term relationship with someone else.

In 1996, I made a startling discovery that would change my life forever. As I delved deeper into my personal relationships, I uncovered an unfortunate truth about Chuck – he had been abusing his teenage daughter from a previous relationship. At the time, we were also raising a 9-month-old daughter together. This revelation was both shocking and heartbreaking, and it forced me to reevaluate everything I thought I knew about our bond.

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

In 2005, she shared with the media that after Chuck’s passing, she contacted Erik. He provided solace for her, and our correspondence gradually became more profound.

In a straightforward manner, Tammi confessed that she was genuinely anxious when she personally encountered Erik for the first time at Folsom State Prison in August 1997.

She clarified that Erik had never seen her face because all he’d received from her was a minuscule 1×1 image. Yet, when he stepped into the room, his vibrant energy made him seem as if he had bounded down the stairs. It felt like encountering a long-lost acquaintance.

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

They have stayed together since then, but Tammi admits that it can be challenging without regular visits, given their circumstances.

In her description on MSNBC in December 2005, she explained their daily ritual as: “A kiss upon arrival, a kiss before departure,” adding that the act of holding hands was particularly challenging, and not everyone may grasp its complexity.

Erik stated he made an effort to avoid contemplating the possibility that his sentence might be permanent, implying he wouldn’t leave prison.

In 2005, he shared with People that Tammi is his source of strength. He finds it challenging to contemplate the phrase. When he does, it fills him with deep sadness and a raw fear that sends chills down his spine. It’s a terrifying thought that he hasn’t fully accepted yet.

In a brighter perspective, Tammi had shown me the art of being a loving spouse. I shared this insight as Erik: “Instead of resorting to makeup sex, it’s just a brief, 15-minute conversation that helps us sort things out and strive for a better relationship.

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2025-05-14 23:53