Marriage behind bars: wives of the Menendez brothers, convicted of murder
19 september 2024 в 21:13
Erik Menendez and his brother, Lyle Menendez, are known for their highly publicized 1993 trial for the murder of their parents. The brothers shot their mother, Mary, and father, Jose, claiming they had been subjected to emotional and sexual abuse by their parents in childhood. Additionally, the Menendez brothers stated that they feared for their lives while under their parents' supervision at home. Although both were convicted in 1996, both Erik and Lyle got married while behind bars.
Erik has been married to his wife, Tammi Saccoman, since 1999.
Despite being convicted in 1996 for two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, Erik met Tammi while in prison. The couple began their relationship through letters and eventually got married in 1999.
Tammi published a book about her marriage to Erik. Titled «They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life with Erik Menendez», - Tammi openly shared how they managed to maintain their relationship despite Erik’s life sentence. She also appeared in an interview on MSNBC in 2005, admitting that she «never expected» to fall in love with Erik.
«You know, I wrote him one letter, and he wrote back, and I went to visit him in prison, and our relationship developed», - Tammi explained. «And I wasn’t seeking a relationship with Erik, but it happened. And you know, I have a very good relationship with him».
When asked how she and Erik cope with the strict visitation rules of the prison system, Tammi noted that it is «very difficult». Additionally, Tammi mentioned that before they got married, Erik, originally from New Jersey, claimed to have a girlfriend.
During the interview, Tammi recalled feeling «sad» that Erik thought he had a relationship with someone while in prison.
«In fact, in one of the letters he wrote to me, he wrote that he had a girlfriend he had been dating for a couple of years. And I kind of said, 'It's so sad that he thinks he has a girlfriend,'» Tammi explained, adding, «So I understand where the public opinion [about our relationship] comes from. But I get emotional support from Erik».
When asked if Erik’s conviction for murder bothers her, Tammi noted that it «makes [her] doubt [herself]».
«Everyone asks me. You know, 'Is she crazy? Is she foolish?'» Tammi admitted, referring to public opinion about her. «It bothers me, but I know the person that is Erik, and I know his heart, I know his soul, and I know what happened that night. And I understand. I believe that in each of us, under certain circumstances, there may be a desire to kill someone. I believe Erik is a very good person».
As for Erik’s brother, Lyle (real name: Joseph Lyle), he has been married twice in prison. He married his first wife, Anne Erikson, in 1996, and they divorced in 2001. Two years later, Lyle married his second wife, Rebecca Sneed, in 2003.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1−800−656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, impartial support, as well as local resources to help with healing, recovery, and more
Erik has been married to his wife, Tammi Saccoman, since 1999.
Despite being convicted in 1996 for two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, Erik met Tammi while in prison. The couple began their relationship through letters and eventually got married in 1999.
Tammi published a book about her marriage to Erik. Titled «They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life with Erik Menendez», - Tammi openly shared how they managed to maintain their relationship despite Erik’s life sentence. She also appeared in an interview on MSNBC in 2005, admitting that she «never expected» to fall in love with Erik.
«You know, I wrote him one letter, and he wrote back, and I went to visit him in prison, and our relationship developed», - Tammi explained. «And I wasn’t seeking a relationship with Erik, but it happened. And you know, I have a very good relationship with him».
When asked how she and Erik cope with the strict visitation rules of the prison system, Tammi noted that it is «very difficult». Additionally, Tammi mentioned that before they got married, Erik, originally from New Jersey, claimed to have a girlfriend.
During the interview, Tammi recalled feeling «sad» that Erik thought he had a relationship with someone while in prison.
«In fact, in one of the letters he wrote to me, he wrote that he had a girlfriend he had been dating for a couple of years. And I kind of said, 'It's so sad that he thinks he has a girlfriend,'» Tammi explained, adding, «So I understand where the public opinion [about our relationship] comes from. But I get emotional support from Erik».
When asked if Erik’s conviction for murder bothers her, Tammi noted that it «makes [her] doubt [herself]».
«Everyone asks me. You know, 'Is she crazy? Is she foolish?'» Tammi admitted, referring to public opinion about her. «It bothers me, but I know the person that is Erik, and I know his heart, I know his soul, and I know what happened that night. And I understand. I believe that in each of us, under certain circumstances, there may be a desire to kill someone. I believe Erik is a very good person».
As for Erik’s brother, Lyle (real name: Joseph Lyle), he has been married twice in prison. He married his first wife, Anne Erikson, in 1996, and they divorced in 2001. Two years later, Lyle married his second wife, Rebecca Sneed, in 2003.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1−800−656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, impartial support, as well as local resources to help with healing, recovery, and more
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
