The Menendez Brothers: Erik and Lyle — Wives, Prison, and a New Life in Las Vegas
25 october 2024 в 19:13
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 sentenced in 1996, both Erik and Lyle got married while behind bars.
Erik has been married to his wife, Tammi Saccoman, since 1999.
Despite being sentenced 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. Eventually, they 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 responded, 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».
Asked how she and Erik deal 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 and said he had a girlfriend he had been dating for a couple of years. And I somehow said, '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».
Asked if Erik’s murder conviction bothers her, Tammi noted that it «makes [her] doubt [herself]».
«Everyone asks me. You know, 'Is she crazy? Is she a fool?'» 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 every person, put in certain circumstances, you can, you know, kill someone. I believe Erik is a very good person».
On October 24, 2024, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón recommended a review of the Menendez brothers' sentences, with immediate parole approval by a judge who will make the final decision. An insider told TMZ that if the Menendez brothers are released, Erik plans to move to Las Vegas to live with his wife, Tammi.
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 violence, 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 sentenced 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. Eventually, they 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 responded, 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».
Asked how she and Erik deal 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 and said he had a girlfriend he had been dating for a couple of years. And I somehow said, '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».
Asked if Erik’s murder conviction bothers her, Tammi noted that it «makes [her] doubt [herself]».
«Everyone asks me. You know, 'Is she crazy? Is she a fool?'» 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 every person, put in certain circumstances, you can, you know, kill someone. I believe Erik is a very good person».
On October 24, 2024, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón recommended a review of the Menendez brothers' sentences, with immediate parole approval by a judge who will make the final decision. An insider told TMZ that if the Menendez brothers are released, Erik plans to move to Las Vegas to live with his wife, Tammi.
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 violence, 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
© Smirnova Olga
