Erik Menendez Undergoes 2 Surgeries After “Serious” Health Diagnosis

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Erik Menendez isn’t out of the woods yet.

Tammi Menendez, Erik’s wife, recently provided an update on his health situation. At present, Erik, who is serving a sentence of 50 years to life in prison for the 1989 murders of his parents alongside brother Lyle Menendez, has been diagnosed with a severe medical issue, as described by his legal representative.

Tammi shared that Erik, whose exact medical diagnosis remains private, recently had a successful second operation to manage his health issue.

On the 23rd of July (once upon a time, on what was known as Twitter), I penned down my thoughts: “Erik’s fate seems to lead him towards another operation, one that I truly hope comes sooner rather than later.” However, circumstances being what they are – with Erik currently behind bars – the road to surgery for him is fraught with complications and delays.

After his second surgery on the 23rd of July, she stated that Erik is still experiencing nausea and discomfort as he goes through the healing process following the operation.

Tammi went on to express her gratitude for all the good thoughts and support everyone has shared. This has been an incredibly challenging period for us due to complications that arose during surgery. We appreciate the efforts made by the staff at CRT custody and medical care, particularly in such a tough situation,” she said.

In approximately a month, the outcome regarding the parole of the Menendez brothers will be determined, marking nearly 30 years since they were found guilty in 1996 for murdering their parents, Jose Menendez and Kitty Menendez, who resided in Beverly Hills. The tragic incident occurred at their home in 1989.

At trial, Erik and Lyle testified they killed their parents over their dad’s alleged sexual abuse.

Today, thirty-five years on, Lyle expressed profound regret for his past self, as stated in the resentencing hearing reported by NBC News. “Back then, I made a vow that I would never resort to violence to address any issue,” he said.

The final decision regarding the parole for the Menendez brothers will be made next month, which marks almost three decades since they were found guilty in 1996 of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, at their Beverly Hills residence back in 1989.

At trial, Erik and Lyle testified they killed their parents over their dad’s alleged sexual abuse.

Today, 35 years on, Lyle expressed profound regret for his past self, as reported by NBC News during the resentencing hearing. He pledged that he has vowed never again to resort to violence to address any issues.

To learn about the Menendez brothers’ experiences behind bars, particularly their marital ties, keep reading.

28 years old at the time, I, Lyle Menendez, walked down the aisle to marry Anna Eriksson, a model and salon receptionist, on July 2, 1996. On this very day, my brother Erik and I received life sentences without the chance of parole for the tragic murders of our parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, which occurred in 1989.

In 1993, I found myself reaching out to Lyle for the first time, during his initial trial that ended inconclusively. The very next year, I made the decision to move to California, driven by my desire to be close to him. As the months-long retrial commenced in 1995, I stood steadfast by his side, culminating in convictions that were handed down in March of 1996, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Instead of being present for their vows, Lyle opted to get married via telephone conference call, with the groom in police custody and the bride meeting with defense attorney Leslie Abramson.

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

As a dedicated follower, I was informed back in September of 1996 by California Correctional Institution’s spokesman, Lt. Jack Pitko, that there was indeed a marital process in motion. He explained that due to demand, there was a waiting list, but he saw no reason why I shouldn’t be able to get married if I adhered to all the rules and regulations.

In 2001, Anna decided to seek a divorce, as it was reported that she discovered Lyle was writing letters to other women, an allegation that surfaced in various accounts at the time.

When Lyle tied the knot with Rebecca Sneed, who was around 33 years old, in November 2003, he didn’t make a hasty decision. Instead, they had been acquainted for a decade, initially through letters and later through personal meetings, as confirmed by a prison spokesperson to the Associated Press.

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

In our conversations, there’s usually little interference from outside factors, and we may even share deeper feelings than many long-term married couples due to their busy lives,” Lyle explained to People magazine in 2017. At that point, Rebecca resided in Sacramento and was reportedly visiting on a weekly basis.

Lyle mentioned that we usually chat on the phone daily, occasionally multiple times a day. He shared that he has a deeply committed and consistent marriage which provides him with stability, comfort, and happiness. This relationship serves as a balance against the uncertain, high-stress atmosphere around us.

Rebecca “endured much,” he admitted. “Yet, she possesses the bravery to face the challenges. Leaving would be simpler, but I’m deeply appreciative that she chooses not to.

Since then, the situation with Lyle and Erik has taken a turn, but before any potential new sentencing or release, it’s been made clear that Rebecca and Lyle have parted ways.

She mentioned 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 Facebook accounts with his input, and I am unwavering in my pursuit of their freedom, a cause I’ve consistently shown dedication towards over the years.

She expressed, “I’ll keep you informed about the advancements in the case since we share a mutual aim – securing their freedom. Rest assured, my efforts towards their release will persist unwaveringly.

To clarify, since gossip from tabloids doesn’t cease even at the prison walls, the post additionally mentioned, “This is 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 found herself drawn emotionally towards the 22-year-old man who was being tried for murder.

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

Erik shared with the magazine that upon reading Tammi’s letter, he experienced an unusual emotion. Among countless other letters he had received, this one stood out to him. He sensed a connection, Erik explained. So, he responded to her. A correspondence between them ensued, and Erik found writing to Tammi quite delightful. Their friendship grew gradually, and it held a unique significance for him because it wasn’t linked to the trial or media frenzy. Tammi was someone outside of the chaos.

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

In the year 1996, I made a heartbreaking discovery that shook my world – my partner Chuck, whom I shared a life with and a young daughter, had been abusing his teenage daughter from a previous relationship. This revelation was further detailed in my book and numerous interviews.

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

In 2005, she shared with the publication that following Chuck’s passing, she turned to Erik for support. He provided solace, and our correspondence gradually evolved into more profound exchanges.

In a straightforward manner, Tammi openly confessed that she was quite apprehensive when she eventually encountered Erik face-to-face at Folsom State Prison in the month of August 1997.

I hadn’t given Erik much of a visual before, as I only sent him a tiny 1×1 picture; however, when he entered the room, his vibrant energy made him seem more like a leaping staircase than a person. It felt as though I were reuniting with an old acquaintance.

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

Since then, they’ve stayed together, but Tammi admits that not having regular visits can be challenging for them.

She explained on MSNBC in December 2005 that their routine included a greeting kiss when they arrive home and another goodbye kiss before departing, which she found particularly challenging and not everyone appreciates the emotional depth behind it.

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

He shared in an interview with People magazine in 2005 that Tammi is his source of strength. When he contemplates the phrase, he experiences deep sadness and a profound fear. This thought makes him break out in a cold sweat, as it’s so terrifying he hasn’t yet fully accepted it.

On a brighter side, Tammi not only imparted her knowledge on being a good partner, as Erik put it, but also emphasized the importance of genuine effort in maintaining their relationship. In his words, “There’s no ‘makeup sex’, just a 15-minute conversation to sort things out.

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2025-07-24 06:17