Menendez Brothers Case: Lyle Menendez Denied Parole

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TheMenendez brothers are staying behind bars.

Following Erik Menendez’s denial of parole at the August 21st hearing, it has been announced that his brother Lyle Menendez now finds himself in a similar situation, as his parole request was likewise denied on August 22nd.

The individuals who received a conviction for the 1989 murders of their parents, José Menendez and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, are due for parole consideration in three years, as reported by NBC News.

I’ve learned that my bids, presented during an extensive hearing by the California Board of Parole Hearings, were turned down. The board, after careful consideration, determined that my release from prison is not appropriate following the recent resentencing that has granted me eligibility for supervised release in May.

In response to Erik’s hearing, as reported by NBC News, Commissioner Robert Barton stated, “I advocate for redemption because I’m in this role. However, according to our legal guidelines, we determine that you still present an unwarranted threat to public safety.

One explanation Barton offered included previous offenses, such as burglaries committed by Erik at the age of 17 prior to his parents’ murder, along with his problematic conduct in prison during his late twenties. This encompasses instances of physical altercations, questionable interactions with visitors, and drug trafficking.

Looking towards the future, Barton had advice for Erik.

The Hollywood Reporter)

Erik explained to the board that he “didn’t grow up with a strong sense of ethical principles.

He expressed that he wasn’t taught to respect moral boundaries such as honesty, fairness, or avoiding theft, either literally or metaphorically, during his teenage years. Instead, behaviors like lying, cheating, and stealing were part of his upbringing.

The most recent changes were made approximately three months following Judge Michael Jesic’s decision in May, where he ordered a reduction of the brothers’ lifetime sentences to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole.

After the verdict was handed down, Lyle expressed a heartfelt reaction, saying, “Thirty-five years ago, I took my parents’ lives. There are no excuses for my actions. I own up to it completely. Back then, I am deeply embarrassed by the person I was. I was terrified. Yet, I was also consumed with anger.

Throughout more than three decades spent in prison, Lyle underscored that he had pledged never to resort to violence as a means to resolve an issue.

For a closer look at the brothers and their personal lives, keep reading…

30-year-old Lyle Menendez tied the knot with model and salon receptionist Anna Eriksson on July 2, 1996. This was the same day he and his brother Erik were given life sentences in prison, with no chance of parole, for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.

In 1993, Anna began correspondencing with Lyle while he was on trial for the first time. The trial ended as a mistrial, but the following year, she relocated to California to be close to him. During the lengthy retrial that started in 1995, she established herself as a consistent supporter. This support continued until March 1996, when Lyle was eventually found guilty, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Although they weren’t able to exchange vows in person, the ceremony took place with Lyle participating via telephone. The groom was in police custody, while the bride was present at defense attorney Leslie Abramson’s office during the call.

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

Back in September 1996, California Correctional Institution spokesman Lt. Jack Pitko informed the LA Times that there was indeed a possibility for Lyle and Erik to get married within the prison system. He mentioned that there’s a waiting list, but if they follow all the rules, he didn’t see any reason why such a marriage wouldn’t be possible.

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

Lyle took his time before marrying Rebecca Sneed, who was approximately 33 at the time, in November 2003. He had known her for ten years, initially through correspondence and later during face-to-face meetings, as confirmed by a prison spokesperson when they announced their marriage to the Associated Press.

The event occurred at Mule Creek State Prison, located not far from Sacramento – a place where Lyle had been living until he was joined by Erik in 2018, which was at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility situated in southern San Diego County.

Lyle mentioned in an interview with People in 2017 that our discussions are usually uninterrupted and perhaps deeper than many married couples who often find themselves preoccupied by everyday happenings. Rebecca, who was then residing in Sacramento, reportedly visited us regularly.

Day in, day out, I find myself picking up my phone to connect with my beloved, and often we chat multiple times throughout the day. My union, a beacon of stability and dedication, is the foundation that keeps me grounded amidst the tumultuous, high-strung circumstances surrounding me. It’s like an oasis in the desert, offering tranquility and immense happiness.

Rebecca endured quite a bit, he conceded. However, she demonstrates great bravery in facing and overcoming challenges. Leaving would have been simpler, but I am deeply appreciative that she chooses not to.

Following the initial situation, it’s important to note that Lyle and Erik may soon have their sentences reconsidered and potentially released. In this context, Rebecca clarified that she and Lyle are no longer together.

She posted on her Facebook page on November 22 that she and Lyle have been apart for some time but are still close friends and family. I continue to manage his social media accounts with input from him, and I am unwaveringly dedicated to the ongoing struggle for both Lyle and Erik’s freedom, as my actions have demonstrated over the years.

I wanted to let you know that I’ll keep everyone updated on how the case is going. We’re all working towards the same goal – getting those guys out! Rest assured, I won’t give up on them.

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

Erik’s current spouse, Tammi Menendez (now 62 years old), was previously married to Chuck Saccoman. In 1993, she first noticed the younger Menendez brother on television while he was a 22-year-old murder suspect, and she developed a unique affection for him at that time.

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

As I perused Tammi’s letter, I felt something stir within me. Among the multitude of correspondence I receive daily, this one stood out. A peculiar sensation came over me, and I found myself compelled to respond. Thus began our exchange of letters, a connection that grew and bloomed. Writing to Tammi was a delight, and our friendship developed at a leisurely pace. What made it unique for me was the fact that it existed outside the realm of the trial and media frenzy. Tammi was an oasis of normality amidst the chaos.

Initially, Tammi expressed doubts about the brothers’ claim of abuse when detailing her experiences in her 2005 book titled “They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life With Erik Menendez“. Notably, she disclosed that Erik had talked about having a girlfriend for several years during their earlier conversations.

However, in 1996, it was uncovered by Tammi, as she’s documented in her book and discussions, that Chuck had mistreated his daughter from a past relationship who was a teenager at the time. At that moment, they were both parents to an infant girl of nine months old.

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

Following Chuck’s passing, I got in touch with Erik in 2005, as she shared with the publication. He provided solace for me. Over time, our exchanges became more thoughtful and profound.

Tammi confessed that she felt quite anxious when she finally encountered Erik face-to-face at Folsom State Prison in August 1997.

She clarified, “Erik hadn’t seen my image before; all he had was a minuscule 1×1 photo from me. Yet, when he entered the room, his vibrant energy was unmistakable as he bounded down the steps. It felt as if I were reconnecting with an old acquaintance.

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

They’ve stayed together since then, but Tammi admits that not having regular visits can be challenging.

She explained on MSNBC in December 2005 that their daily routine included a greeting kiss upon arrival and departure, but finding the strength to hold hands was particularly challenging for many and often misunderstood.

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

In an interview with People in 2005, he stated that Tammi is his source of strength. Speaking about the sentence gives him a profound sense of sadness and raw fear. The mere thought of it makes him feel chilled to the bone. He finds it utterly terrifying and hasn’t yet fully processed its implications.

Instead of just that, Erik mentioned a brighter side: Tammi had not only shown him the ways of being a thoughtful spouse, he explained; there were no make-up sessions, but rather brief, essential fifteen-minute calls. This necessitated an effort to keep the relationship smooth and running.

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2025-08-23 06:47