In November 2003, Lyle Menendez married Rebecca Sneed, while his brother Erik Menendez tied the knot with Tammi Ruth Saccoman on June 12, 1999. Both of these marriages took place after Erik and Lyle Menendez received life sentences in 1996, without the possibility of parole, following their confession to the tragic murders of their parents in their home. Tammi Menendez and Rebecca Sneed continue to visit their husbands in prison while leading their separate lives in the United States.
Netflix’s latest original series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, delves into the controversial lives of the Menendez brothers, their crimes, and the highly publicized trial that led to their lifelong incarceration. This scripted series premiered on September 19, 2024, and consists of 9 episodes.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the series synopsis states:
“The story of the Menendez brothers, convicted of the brutal 1989 murders of their parents in Beverly Hills.”
Lyle Menendez’s Marriage to Rebecca Sneed in 2003
Previously, Lyle was married to Anna Eriksson, but the couple divorced in 2001. Two years later, in November 2003, Lyle Menendez exchanged vows with Rebecca Sneed at Mule Creek State Prison. Sneed, a defense attorney, holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Doctor of Law degree. Despite the controversy surrounding their marriage, she appears to be content in her relationship with Lyle.
In a rare prison interview, Lyle shared his thoughts on his relationship with Rebecca Sneed with People Magazine:
“We try to talk on the phone every day, sometimes several times a day. I have a very steady, involved marriage, and that brings a lot of peace and joy. It’s a relief from the unpredictable and stressful environment here.”
He added:
“But [Rebecca Sneed] has the courage to tackle the challenges. It would be easier for her to leave, but I’m profoundly grateful that she doesn’t.”
Erik Menendez’s Marriage to Tammi Ruth Saccoman in 1999
On June 12, 1999, Erik Menendez married his pen pal Tammi Ruth Saccoman. Their love story blossomed through their correspondence during Erik’s incarceration, leading to their wedding at the waiting room of Folsom State Prison shortly after he received his life sentence.
In 2005, Tammi published a book detailing their relationship titled They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life With Erik Menendez.
Discussing his relationship with Tammi, Erik told People Magazine:
“Tammi’s love was a major factor in my choosing life. Having someone who loves you unconditionally, who you can be completely open with, is good for anybody. It’s comforting to know that this person loves me as I am.”
Reunion of Erik and Lyle Menendez in Prison
Following their sentencing on July 2, 1996, after a retrial, Erik and Lyle Menendez were incarcerated without the possibility of parole. During the trial, the brothers alleged that their father had sexually abused them and that their mother was complicit, resulting in their decision to shoot their parents multiple times.
For many years, the brothers were housed in separate facilities until their reunion on April 4, 2018, at the Richard J. Donovan correctional facility. As of March 2023, a new petition was filed by their legal team seeking a renewed hearing, bolstered by newly discovered evidence in the form of a letter.
The letter states:
“I’ve been trying to avoid Dad. It’s still happening, Andy, but it’s worse for me now… I never know when it’s going to happen, and it’s driving me crazy. Every night, I stay up thinking he might come in.”
To explore more about the Menendez brothers, be sure to watch Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, now available for streaming on Netflix.
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