Judge Judy Reveals Controversial Menendez Brothers Opinion

by

Judge Judyisn’t siding with Erik Menendez or Lyle Menendez. 

With their parole hearing scheduled for August 22nd, the well-known TV judge (whose real name is Judy Sheindlin) has shared her thoughts on what she thinks should happen to the Menendez brothers in relation to the 1989 murders of their parents, Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez and José Menendez.

In her interview with USA Today on July 22nd, Judy stated that the Menendez brothers are known for having murdered both of their parents. Following this tragic act, they engaged in a shopping spree. Subsequently, they stood trial by a jury and were given life sentences without the possibility of parole.

In 1996, I found myself sentenced to life imprisonment after two trials in the early ’90s. The first trial, which resulted in a stalemate in 1994, had separate juries for Erik and me, and featured evidence suggesting our father had subjected us to sexual abuse. The second trial prohibited such abuse as defense evidence, culminating in our life sentences.

In May, a judge sentenced Erik and Lyle to serve between 50 years and the rest of their lives, with the possibility of parole; however, Judy acknowledges that if she had been the one making the decision, she might have ruled differently.

In response to inquiries from USA Today, I made it clear that while an individual may excel during their time in prison, it does not automatically grant them a second opportunity. That is their due penalty. Until Kitty Menendez personally petitions a court, asserting, “Give them another chance,” the verdict of the jury and the courts remain. Rest assured, I anticipate criticism for this stance, but I stand firm in my decision.

For the past 35 years, Erik and Lyle have been incarcerated, and they both believe that their time in prison has been beneficial to them.

In 2005, Erik shared with People magazine, “Getting arrested felt like a release.” He explained, “I was at a point where my life seemed hopeless, but getting arrested and imprisoned helped me rediscover who I truly was. I needed that experience to bring back the real me.

Since then, Erik, who is now 54 years old, tied the knot with Tammi Menendez in 1999. Meanwhile, his brother Lyle, at 57 years of age, was previously married to Rebecca Sneed. However, their union ended last year in a quiet separation.

Keep reading for more about Erik and Lyle’s families…

 

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

In 1993, Anna began sending letters to Lyle during his initial trial, which ended in a hung jury. A year later, she relocated to California to be close to him. She was a consistent figure throughout the subsequent months-long retrial that started in 1995 and concluded with convictions in March 1996, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Although they weren’t able to exchange vows in person, Lyle decided to go through with the ceremony over a conference call. In this unique setup, the groom was in police custody while 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 the court order that separated Lyle and Erik 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 if all rules were followed, there was no reason why they couldn’t get married, as long as there was an open spot on the waiting list.

In 2001, Anna initiated a divorce proceeding, as it was reported that she discovered letters suggesting Lyle was corresponding with other females, which allegedly led to this action.

Back in 2003, when I tied the knot with the remarkable journalist Rebecca Sneed (apparently she was 33 then), I didn’t leap before looking; we had cultivated our bond over a decade. Our correspondence started through letters, and later, I was fortunate enough to meet her in person. A prison spokesperson shared this detail with the Associated Press when they confirmed our wedding.

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

In 2017, Lyle shared with People that our conversations are usually undisturbed and we may have deeper talks than many married couples who are often preoccupied by life’s happenings. At that point, Rebecca resided in Sacramento, reportedly making visits every week.

Lyle mentioned that we chat over the phone daily, occasionally multiple times in a single day. My marriage is stable and engaging, which provides me with consistency, tranquility, and happiness. It serves as a balancing force against the uncertain, highly stressful atmosphere around us.

In my expertise as a lifestyle guide, let me express that I recognize the resilience and fortitude of Rebecca in navigating through life’s challenges. Despite the hardships she endures, her spirit remains unbroken, making it easier for her to conquer each obstacle. It is with immense gratitude that I confess, I am thankful she chooses not to abandon this journey, as leaving would be the simpler path.

Despite an upcoming decision on potentially releasing Lyle and Erik, Rebecca clarified that her relationship with Lyle has ended.

Ever since our separation, we’ve remained not just friends, but family,” I penned down on my official Facebook page, November 22. “I’m still managing his social media platforms, with his valuable input, and I’ll always stand firm in the unwavering struggle for the freedom of Lyle and Erik – a battle that has been clear over the years.

She remarked, “I’ll keep informing everyone about the advancements in this case as I firmly believe that we share a mutual aim: securing their release. Rest assured, my efforts on their behalf will never cease.

Since gossip from tabloids doesn’t cease even beyond the prison walls, the post additionally clarified, “This is absolutely not a case of infidelity.

In 1993, Tammi Menendez, now 62 years old, was previously married to Chuck Saccoman. It was during this time that she first saw the younger Menendez brother on television, a 22-year-old man facing murder charges. This young defendant captured a unique spot in her heart.

Later on, as she shared with People magazine, she conveyed to her spouse that she intended to pen a letter to Erik. Chuck granted his approval for this action.

In simple terms, Erik shared that upon reading Tammi’s letter, he experienced an unusual emotion. Out of all the letters he received, this one stood out and he chose to save it. He had a sense about it, he explained to the media. He then responded to her, and their correspondence continued. Writing to Tammi was enjoyable for him, and their friendship developed gradually. What made this relationship unique to Erik was that it wasn’t connected to the trial or the media frenzy; instead, it was with someone outside of all the chaos.

Initially, Tammi expressed doubts about the brothers’ claim of abuse when she read about it in her 2005 book titled “They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life With Erik Menendez“. Also, she revealed to MSNBC that Erik had mentioned having a girlfriend for several years early on.

In 1996, it was revealed by Tammi through her book and interviews that Chuck had been physically harming his daughter from a past relationship, who was a teenager at the time. They were raising a 9-month-old child together.

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

In 2005, she shared with a publication that after Chuck passed away, she connected with Erik. He provided comfort to her during this difficult time, and their written correspondence gradually became more profound.

Back in August of ’97, I, a die-hard fan, was positively quivering with excitement as I faced Erik – yes, that Erik – at Folsom State Penitentiary. Needless to say, my nerves were on overdrive!

She clarified that Erik had never seen her face since all he’d received from her was a small, 1×1-inch photo. However, as soon as he entered the room, his energetic demeanor reminded her of meeting a long-lost friend.

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

They’ve stayed together since then, but Tammi admits that the absence of regular visits can be challenging.

She explained their regular custom on MSNBC in December 2005: “A kiss upon arrival, a kiss before departure,” she put it. ‘Holding hands is also included, and that aspect can be particularly challenging; many people may not fully grasp its complexity.’

Erik mentioned that he made an effort to avoid contemplating the possibility that his sentence might mean he’d never leave prison.

In 2005, he shared with People that Tammi is his source of strength. He finds it difficult to contemplate the sentence because when he does, he experiences deep sadness and a profound fear. This thought triggers a cold sweat in him, making it a terrifying experience he has yet to fully accept.

However, on a brighter side, Tammi had shown him the way to be a dedicated spouse, Erik pointed out. There was no such thing as ‘makeup sex’ for them; instead, it involved a brief 15-minute phone call to truly focus on resolving issues.

Read More

2025-07-23 16:18