How D.A. Gascón’s Election Loss May Impact Menendez Brothers Case

How D.A. Gascón’s Election Loss May Impact Menendez Brothers Case

As I delve into this captivating tale of love and tragedy, I find myself utterly captivated by the resilience and strength displayed by Tammi Menendez. Her journey, marked by heartbreak, doubt, and ultimately, unwavering devotion, is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to heal and find solace even in the most unexpected of places.


Election Day may have affected Erik Menendez and Lyle Menendez’s chance at freedom. 

LA County District Attorney George Gascón, who recently announced his office’s intention to reconsider the sentencing of the brothers, was defeated in his re-election on November 5 by former U.S. Assistant Attorney General Nathan Hochman. This change in District Attorney could potentially influence whether the office pursues this case further.

Despite not disclosing his position on the Menendez brothers, who are serving life without parole for the 1989 murders of their parents José Menendez and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, Hochman has previously criticized Gascón for announcing further steps in the case weeks after the Netflix series “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” rekindled interest. As Hochman stated during an October debate, “The timing is strikingly suspicious.

If elected, as someone who values thoroughness and transparency, I would delve extensively into the details of the matter at hand. Rest assured, I wouldn’t waste time with speculative press conferences; instead, I would take the necessary time to carefully consider all aspects before making any decisions.

Simultaneously, Gascón acknowledged that the Ryan Murphy series and subsequent Menendez Brothers documentary hastened the original court date, which was scheduled for November 29th.

When the Netflix documentary was released, we were suddenly swamped with interview requests and phone calls, as the case resurfaced,” he clarified regarding the hearing. This hearing was initiated following a habeas petition submitted by the brothers in 2023. “In order to avoid responding to each media request individually, we opted to issue a clear statement about our current position instead,” he added.

How D.A. Gascón’s Election Loss May Impact Menendez Brothers Case

Previously, Gascón’s office made public its suggestions on October 24, a week following Mark Geragos, the brothers’ lawyer, disclosing fresh proof concerning the case, focusing mainly on the brothers’ claims of sexual abuse by their father.

During the press conference, Gascón stated that within his office, there are individuals who firmly think that the Menendez brothers should spend the remainder of their lives in prison, and they do not subscribe to the idea that they were victims of molestation. Conversely, there are others in the office who strongly advocate for their immediate release, asserting that they were indeed subjected to abuse.

Despite stating clearly that he didn’t wish to use their supposed abuses as justification for the murders, he pointed out that after giving thorough consideration to every piece of evidence, he would present his suggestion.

How D.A. Gascón’s Election Loss May Impact Menendez Brothers Case

As an ardent supporter, I can’t hide my excitement as I share the news that their office has proposed a significant change in the fate of those brothers, who were incarcerated back in 1996. The recommendation is to extend their sentences to a staggering 50 years in prison, with the potential for parole. Since they were just teenagers when the heinous murders occurred—Lyle was 21 and Erik was only 18 at the time—if this proposal is approved by a judge, they would become eligible for parole straight away.

The news brought mixed emotions to those close to them, like Erik’s spouse Tammi Menendez and Lyle’s spouse Rebecca Sneed, who had wished for a less severe outcome in the case.

Yesterday was a challenging and emotional day, Tammi shared on X (previously known as Twitter) on October 25th. “I’m thankful to DA Gascon for his bravery in pursuing a re-sentencing for Erik,” she wrote. “It’s only natural that I feel a sense of disappointment because he didn’t take additional steps, acting upon his own belief that Erik and Lyle have served enough time behind bars.

Meanwhile, as further information unfolds concerning the Erik and Lyle case, their spouses have remained steadfast in their support throughout their thirty-year incarceration. To delve deeper into their personal connections, keep reading below.

How D.A. Gascón’s Election Loss May Impact Menendez Brothers Case

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

Anna began corresponding with Lyle in 1993 during his initial trial, which concluded as a mistrial. The year after, she relocated to California to be close to him. She was a consistent figure throughout the lengthy retrial that started in 1995 and concluded in March 1996 with convictions, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Despite not being able to exchange vows in person, Lyle ended up getting married via conference call, with the groom in police custody and the bride present in the office of Leslie Abramson, her defense attorney.

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

Back in 1996, as the Los Angeles Times reported, I shared that we were navigating a marital process at California Correctional Institution. The reason? Lyle and Erik, who had been ordered to separate prisons, were seeking to formalize their union. However, there was a queue for such requests, but if all rules are adhered to, I couldn’t see any reason why they shouldn’t be allowed to tie the knot.

In 2001, Anna decided to seek a divorce, as it was reported that she discovered Lyle had been writing letters to other women.

How D.A. Gascón’s Election Loss May Impact Menendez Brothers Case

Lyle took his time before marrying Rebecca Sneed, who was around 33 at the time, in November 2003. They had been acquainted for ten years, initially through letters and later meeting in person, as a prison representative shared with the Associated Press when verifying their marriage.

The event transpired at Mule Creek State Prison, situated close to Sacramento, where Lyle had been living until his reunion with Erik in 2018. This meeting took place at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, located in southern San Diego County.

In a conversation with People magazine back in 2017, Lyle noted that our conversations are often undisturbed and perhaps more intimate than those of many married couples, who are frequently preoccupied by life’s happenings. At that point, Rebecca was residing in Sacramento and reportedly visited on a weekly basis.

Lyle mentioned that we chat over the phone daily, occasionally multiple times in a day. He shared that he has a strong, engaged marriage which provides him stability, tranquility, and happiness. It serves as a balance against the uncertain, highly stressful surroundings here.

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.”

How D.A. Gascón’s Election Loss May Impact Menendez Brothers Case

Erik’s spouse, Tammi Menendez (now aged 62), had been married to Chuck Saccoman at the time when she first saw the younger Menendez brother on TV in 1993. A unique affection developed within her heart for the 22-year-old man standing trial for murder.

According to what she shared with People magazine later on, she conveyed to her spouse that she intended to pen a letter to Erik. Chuck granted her permission for this action.

Erik shared with the press, “Upon reading Tammi’s letter, I had an unusual sensation. Out of all the letters I’ve received, this one stood out. It stirred something in me. So, I responded to her. Over time, we exchanged more letters. I found pleasure in our correspondence. Our bond grew gradually, and it was significant to me because it wasn’t connected to the trial or media chaos. Tammi was an individual outside of all that.

Initially, Tammi expressed skepticism about the brothers’ claim of abuse when she wrote her 2005 book titled They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life With Erik Menendez. In fact, she revealed that during their initial conversations, Erik himself had hinted at having a long-term girlfriend.

1996 was a year I’ll never forget, for it was when I uncovered the heartbreaking truth about my idol, Chuck. As Tammi has vividly portrayed in her book and interviews, I discovered that he had been cruelly abusing his teenage daughter from a past relationship. Yet, here we were, sharing the joy and responsibility of our then-9-month-old daughter.

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

How D.A. Gascón’s Election Loss May Impact Menendez Brothers Case

In 2005, she shared with 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 acknowledged that she was extremely anxious when she personally encountered Erik for the first time at Folsom State Prison in August 1997.

She said, “Erik had never seen my appearance; all I’d sent him was a minuscule 1×1 picture. However, when he entered the room, his energy was palpable, and he practically skipped down the stairs. It felt like I was reuniting with an old acquaintance.

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

How D.A. Gascón’s Election Loss May Impact Menendez Brothers Case

They’ve stayed together since then, but Tammi has admitted that not having visits at home can sometimes be challenging for them.

She explained on MSNBC in December 2005 that a common practice for her was giving a kiss upon arrival and departure. She added that holding hands was also included in this routine, and she found it particularly challenging as many people might not fully comprehend its significance.

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

He shared with People in 2005 that Tammi is his source of strength. “When I try to comprehend the sentence, I’m overwhelmed by sadness and a deep fear,” he said. “My heart races, and I break out in a cold sweat. It’s so terrifying that I find it hard to accept it.

However, on a brighter side, Tammi had shown him the skills of being a devoted spouse, Erik pointed out. He explained that there was no such thing as ‘makeup sex,’ but instead, just a brief 15-minute phone conversation to resolve issues, so it’s crucial to put effort into making things work.

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2024-11-06 20:18