The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, became infamous after their conviction for the brutal murders of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in 1989. While serving life sentences for their crimes, they each found love and married women who have stood by their
sides despite their incarceration. The story of Lyle Menendez and his wife, Rebecca Sneed, is a remarkable tale of connection, resilience, and enduring love. This article explores Lyle Menendez’s relationships and how his marriage to Rebecca Sneed has endured despite extraordinary circumstances.
Lyle’s First Marriage: Anna Eriksson
Before marrying Rebecca Sneed, Lyle Menendez was first married to Anna Eriksson, a former model. The two met when Eriksson, intrigued by the Menendez brothers’ trial, began corresponding with Lyle. Their relationship blossomed through letters, and by 1996, they tied the knot. The wedding took place the same day Lyle was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Despite their unique relationship, their marriage faced challenges. In 2001, Eriksson filed for divorce, citing Lyle’s unfaithfulness. She claimed that he had been exchanging letters with other women without her knowledge, which ultimately led to the dissolution of their marriage. Following the end of this relationship, Lyle moved on to what would become a more enduring partnership.
Rebecca Sneed: A Decade-Long Connection
In 2003, Lyle Menendez married Rebecca Sneed, a woman he had known for a decade prior to their marriage. At the time, Rebecca was a magazine editor and journalist who had initially started corresponding with Lyle as a friend. Their relationship evolved over time, and after his divorce from Anna Eriksson, the two became a couple.
Rebecca has been an unwavering presence in Lyle’s life, supporting him through the complexities of his life behind bars. In a 2017 interview, Lyle described his marriage to Rebecca as a source of “peace and joy” that has helped him endure the harsh realities of prison life. Unlike many conventional marriages, Lyle and Rebecca’s relationship revolves around deep emotional connection and communication rather than physical closeness.
Rebecca’s Role as an Attorney and Advocate
Since marrying Lyle, Rebecca has gone on to become an attorney, a move that reflects her commitment not only to her own career but also to Lyle’s well-being. Her new profession has likely aided her in navigating the legal and emotional challenges of being married to a convicted criminal. She resides in Sacramento, California, and visits Lyle regularly, maintaining their bond through weekly visits and frequent phone calls.
Despite the scrutiny and judgment from outsiders, Rebecca has remained loyal to Lyle, standing by his side for more than two decades. In Lyle’s words, she has the courage to handle the obstacles that come with their unusual marriage. This level of dedication and resilience speaks volumes about the strength of their relationship.
Life as a Married Couple Behind Bars
One of the most challenging aspects of Lyle and Rebecca’s marriage is the lack of physical contact. Inmates serving life sentences in California are not allowed conjugal visits, meaning that the couple has never consummated their marriage. However, Lyle has expressed that while the physical aspect of their relationship is absent, their emotional connection is what truly sustains their bond.
Lyle once said, “Your physical comfort is much less important than your connection with the people around you.” This sentiment underscores the unique nature of his marriage to Rebecca, where conversations and emotional intimacy take precedence over the traditional elements of a marriage, such as physical closeness.
The Public’s Perception of Lyle and Rebecca’s Marriage
Given the notoriety of the Menendez case, it’s no surprise that Lyle’s marriage to Rebecca has attracted significant attention. Many people question why a woman would marry someone convicted of such a heinous crime. Lyle acknowledges that his wife faces judgment and criticism for her choice to remain married to him, but he also expresses profound gratitude for her unwavering support.
Rebecca, for her part, has remained private about her life with Lyle, choosing not to engage in media interviews or public discussions about her marriage. This privacy has allowed their relationship to flourish in relative seclusion, away from the glare of the public eye.
Love Against the Odds
The story of Lyle Menendez and Rebecca Sneed is one of enduring love in the face of extreme adversity. Their relationship, built on communication and emotional connection, serves as a testament to the power of human connection, even in the most challenging circumstances. While their marriage may lack the physical and day-to-day elements of a typical relationship, Lyle and Rebecca have found a way to maintain a strong bond that sustains them both.
In a world where many relationships crumble under far less pressure, the fact that their marriage has lasted for over two decades speaks volumes about the depth of their commitment to one another.
Conclusion
Lyle Menendez’s marriage to Rebecca Sneed is a unique love story, one that has survived despite the extraordinary challenges of life behind bars. Through letters, phone calls, and weekly visits, they have built a relationship that thrives on emotional intimacy and resilience. While the public may never fully understand their connection, Lyle and Rebecca’s enduring bond is a testament to the human capacity for love and loyalty, even in the most unlikely circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Lyle Menendez’s current wife?
Lyle Menendez’s current wife is Rebecca Sneed, whom he married in 2003. They had known each other for a decade before getting married, and she has since become an attorney.
2. Was Lyle Menendez married before Rebecca Sneed?
Yes, Lyle Menendez was previously married to Anna Eriksson, a former model. They were married in 1996 but divorced in 2001 after Eriksson accused Lyle of infidelity.
3. How does Lyle Menendez maintain his relationship with his wife in prison?
Lyle and Rebecca maintain their relationship through frequent phone calls and weekly visits. Although they cannot have conjugal visits, their bond relies heavily on communication and emotional connection.
4. Why did Lyle Menendez’s first marriage end?
Lyle Menendez’s first marriage to Anna Eriksson ended in 2001 due to allegations of infidelity. Eriksson claimed that Lyle was corresponding with other women without her knowledge.
5. Are Lyle and Rebecca allowed conjugal visits?
No, inmates serving life sentences in California, including Lyle Menendez, are not allowed conjugal visits. Despite this, Lyle and Rebecca have maintained a strong emotional connection throughout their marriage.