Menendez Brothers Resentenced, Now Eligible for Parole

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The Menendez brothers just scored a major victory in court. 

At a court hearing held on May 13th, Judge Michael Jesic made the formal decision that Erik Menendez and Lyle Menendez, convicted of the 1989 murders of their parents José Menendez and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, would see their sentences adjusted to 50 years to life in prison, with potential parole eligibility, as reported by NBC News.

Before the court’s decision, the siblings had been given life imprisonment with no chance for release or parole due to their involvement in the murders.

During his concluding remarks, the judge clarified the reasoning behind his choice to shorten their sentences, stating in court, according to the source, “I am unable to determine that they pose an ‘excessive risk.’

As the judge was preparing to make a ruling, both Lyle (age 57) and Erik (age 54) provided statements regarding the murders of José and Kitty, claiming that they acted in self-defense due to enduring years of abuse.

35 years on, I stand here with a heavy heart, acknowledging the person I once was, and the mistakes I made. Looking back, I can’t help but feel ashamed. However, I’ve since embarked on a personal journey of growth, seeking guidance from professionals to better myself. Today, I pledge never again to resort to violence as a means to resolve any issues.

In two separate court cases from 1993 to 1996, the brothers claimed they killed their parents because Lyle had threatened to reveal his father’s suspected physical abuse against Erik.

Initially, the legal battle didn’t yield a clear verdict, ending in a deadlock. However, come the second trial, I found myself overjoyed as they were both found guilty and sentenced for the highest degree of murder.

Three decades have passed, and over this time, two fresh pieces of proof surfaced. One of these was a letter penned by Erik to his cousin, written eight months prior to the murders, detailing accusations of abuse. Soon after, former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón declared his intention to officially propose that they be given a new trial, potentially allowing them to apply for parole.

During his CNN appearance in October, Gascón stated unequivocally that they had indeed committed murder. Yet, he mentioned that we’re examining two distinct scenarios for potential clemency.

The District Attorney pointed out that since the brothers have undergone rehabilitation and are now deemed safe for reintegration into our community, it is crucial to examine the new evidence in a court of law. This transformation in society’s perspective on sexual abuse, he remarked, has been quite profound – almost revolutionary.

For more on the brothers, read on for details about their personal lives and relationships.

On July 2, 1996, when Lyle Menendez was already 28 years old, he got married to Anna Eriksson, a model and salon receptionist. This wedding took place on the same day that Lyle and his brother Erik Menendez were given a life sentence in prison without the chance of parole, for the murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, which occurred in 1989.

In 1993, Anna began penning letters to Lyle during his initial trial that eventually led to a mistrial. The year after, she relocated to California to be closer to him. During the lengthy retrial that started in 1995 and lasted for several months, she proved to be a constant support, ultimately leading to convictions in March 1996 as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Although they weren’t able to exchange vows in person, Lyle ended up getting married via conference call, with the groom in detention and the bride consulting with 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 of 1996, after Lyle and Erik were instructed to be housed in different prisons by California Correctional Institution, their spokesperson, Lt. Jack Pitko, informed the Los Angeles Times that “there is a procedure for marriage” taking place within the institution. He added, “There’s a queue, but I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t be able to get married if he adheres to all the rules.

In 2001, Anna decided to seek a divorce, as it was reported that she discovered Lyle was corresponding with several other women.

Lyle didn’t hastily get married to Rebecca Sneed, who was around 33 at the time, in November 2003. He had known her for ten years prior, initially through letters and later during face-to-face meetings, as a prison spokesperson shared with the Associated Press when confirming their marriage.

The event transpired at Mule Creek State Prison, which is situated close to Sacramento, a place where Lyle had been living 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 discussions often occur without many interruptions, and they might be more personal than those typical of married couples, who are frequently preoccupied by everyday happenings. Back then, Rebecca resided in Sacramento and reportedly visited every week.

In my daily routine, I make it a point to connect with my partner over the phone on a regular basis, often multiple times throughout the day. Maintaining this strong bond contributes significantly to my sense of stability and happiness. It serves as a balancing force against the uncertain, high-stress atmosphere that surrounds me here.

Rebecca “endured much,” he conceded. “Yet, she possesses the bravery to face challenges head-on. It might seem simpler to depart, but I am deeply thankful she chooses not to.

After the situation with Lyle and Erik’s potential re-sentencing and release, 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 yet remain close friends and family. I still manage his Facebook pages with his input, and I am unwaveringly dedicated to the ongoing struggle for the freedom of both Lyle and Erik, as my long-term actions have shown over the years.

She expressed, “I’ll keep informing everyone about the advancements in the case as it unfolds. We share a mutual objective – to see these individuals set free. Rest assured, my efforts on their behalf will never waver.

Since gossip from tabloids doesn’t cease even beyond prison walls, the post further clarified, “This is NOT about infidelity.

Erik’s spouse, Tammi Menendez (now 62 years old), was previously wed to Chuck Saccoman when she first caught sight of the younger Menendez brother on television in 1993 and developed a unique affection for the 22-year-old man who was being charged with murder.

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

Erik shared with the press that upon reading Tammi’s letter, he experienced an indescribable emotion. Despite receiving countless letters, he chose to keep this particular one separate. It stirred a sensation within him. Following this, he penned a response. A correspondence between them ensued, and Erik found pleasure in exchanging words with her. Their friendship blossomed gradually, making it unique because it wasn’t connected to the trial or the media frenzy. Tammi was someone outside of the chaos.

Initially, Tammi expressed skepticism 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“. Moreover, she disclosed that Erik had previously mentioned having a girlfriend for several years to MSNBC.

1996 saw Tammi uncovering the fact that Chuck had been mistreating his teenage daughter from a past relationship. At the time, they were both parents to an 9-month old child together. (This is based on her account as presented in her book and interviews.)

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

In 2005, I confided to the media, “After Chuck passed away, I sought solace with Erik. He provided me with much-needed comfort. Our correspondence gradually evolved, becoming more profound and thoughtful.

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

She said, “Erik didn’t know what I looked like as I’d only sent him a minuscule, 1×1 picture. However, when he entered the room, his vivacity was palpable – he bounded down the stairs. It felt like I was reuniting with an old acquaintance.

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

They have been a couple ever since, but Tammi admits that not having regular visits can sometimes prove challenging.

She explained on MSNBC in December 2005 that a part of their daily routine involved a greeting kiss when arriving and another one upon departure. She added that holding hands was also included but found it particularly challenging, as many may not fully grasp the complexity of this gesture.

Erik mentioned that he made an effort to avoid contemplating the possibility that he might remain incarcerated for life.

In 2005, he shared with People that Tammi is his source of strength. Speaking about the sentence makes him feel deeply sad and scared on a fundamental level. The mere thought causes him to break out in a cold sweat. It’s something so terrifying that he hasn’t yet been able to fully accept it.

However, on a brighter side, Tammi had additionally shown him the skills of being a devoted spouse, Erik explained. “We don’t have ‘makeup sex,’ instead there’s a brief 15-minute conversation, so it’s crucial to genuinely strive for a smooth relationship.

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2025-05-14 04:49