The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, gained national notoriety after being convicted for the brutal murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez. The 1989 killings shocked the world, but the story that unfolded during their trials brought even more attention
to the brothers—particularly Lyle. While serving his life sentence, Lyle’s personal life has intrigued the public, largely because of his relationships with women while in prison. This article explores Lyle Menendez’s relationships, including his two marriages, and how his life behind bars continues to captivate the public.
The Tragic Murders That Shook America
Lyle and Erik Menendez gunned down their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. During their highly publicized trials, the brothers claimed they acted in self-defense after years of alleged abuse from their parents. However, prosecutors argued that the brothers were motivated by greed, hoping to inherit their parents’ fortune. The trials were broadcast on CourtTV, turning the
brothers into infamous public figures and sparking an unexpected fan base. Many viewers, particularly drawn to their physical appearance, sent letters of support, and some even developed romantic interests in the Menendez brothers. This phenomenon would shape Lyle’s future relationships.
Lyle Menendez’s First Marriage: Anna Eriksson
Lyle Menendez’s first relationship after his conviction was with Anna Eriksson, a former model and salon receptionist from Chicago. Eriksson saw Lyle on TV during his first trial, which ended in a mistrial, and decided to write him a letter. This simple act of compassion—offering him words of encouragement—blossomed into a romantic relationship. Eriksson, who had begun modeling at the age of 14 and had worked in fashion cities like London, Paris, and Sweden, moved to Los Angeles in 1994 to be closer to Lyle.
Despite their physical separation, the couple continued their courtship through letters and phone calls. Their connection culminated in a “proxy wedding,” where they married over the phone on July 2, 1996. The wedding was witnessed by Erik Menendez’s attorney, Leslie Abramson, and an aunt of the brothers. However, the marriage faced obstacles from the start, as the California Department of Corrections did not recognize the phone ceremony as legally binding. Despite this, the two remained a married couple for five years.
The End of Lyle and Anna Eriksson’s Marriage
Lyle and Eriksson’s marriage came to an end in 2001 when Eriksson filed for divorce, accusing Lyle of being unfaithful. According to her, Lyle had been exchanging letters with other women while they were married. The divorce marked the end of a chapter in Lyle’s life, and Eriksson has since stayed out of the public eye. However, this would not be the end of Lyle’s romantic pursuits, as he would go on to marry again while still behind bars.
Lyle Menendez’s Second Marriage: Rebecca Sneed
After his divorce from Eriksson, Lyle found love again with Rebecca Sneed, a former magazine editor. The two had known each other for about ten years before they eventually tied the knot. Their relationship began as a friendship, but it gradually developed into something more. In November 2003, Lyle and Rebecca were married at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione, California. Unlike his first marriage, this relationship has remained stable over the years, and the couple is still married to this day.
Life Behind Bars and Marriage Restrictions
Despite being married twice, Lyle Menendez, like his brother Erik, has been unable to consummate his marriages due to a California law that prohibits inmates serving life sentences from having conjugal visits. This legal restriction has not deterred either brother’s
commitment to their spouses. Erik’s wife, Tammi Saccoman, has openly spoken about the strength of their relationship despite the physical limitations. She has said, “Not having sex in my life is difficult, but it’s not a problem for me. I have to be physically detached, and I’m emotionally attached to Erik.”
The Reunification of the Menendez Brothers
For over 20 years, Lyle and Erik Menendez were housed in separate prisons. However, in 2018, the brothers were reunited when Lyle was transferred to the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, where Erik was already imprisoned. This reunion was an emotional moment for the brothers, who had not seen each other since their trials. While their marriages have been unconventional, the support they’ve received from their wives has been a constant in their lives behind bars.
Public Fascination with the Menendez Case
The Menendez brothers’ case continues to capture the public’s imagination, especially with the release of new media that revisits the story. Recently, Ryan Murphy’s Netflix drama series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story has once again brought the brothers
back into the spotlight. However, the series has not been without controversy. Erik Menendez’s wife, Tammi, has publicly criticized the show, claiming it misrepresents the brothers’ lives and motives. Erik himself expressed disappointment with the portrayal of his and Lyle’s characters, accusing the show of perpetuating harmful lies about their actions.
Despite this backlash, the public remains fascinated with the Menendez brothers, not only because of the gruesome nature of their crime but also due to the unusual personal lives they’ve led while incarcerated. The media continues to revisit their story, ensuring that the Menendez brothers remain a subject of conversation and debate decades after their conviction.
Conclusion
The story of Lyle Menendez’s life, particularly his relationships behind bars, continues to draw public attention. From his controversial marriage to Anna Eriksson to his long-standing relationship with Rebecca Sneed, Lyle’s personal life has remained a subject of intrigue. While the Menendez brothers may never leave prison, their story—marked by both tragedy and love—will likely remain in the public eye for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyle Menendez and His Marriages
1. Who was Lyle Menendez’s first wife?
Lyle Menendez’s first wife was Anna Eriksson, a former model and salon receptionist. The two were married over the phone in a proxy wedding in 1996 but divorced in 2001 after Eriksson accused Lyle of infidelity.
2. Who is Lyle Menendez’s current wife?
Lyle Menendez is currently married to Rebecca Sneed, a former magazine editor. They were married in 2003 at Mule Creek State Prison, and they have remained together since.
3. Are Lyle and Erik Menendez allowed conjugal visits with their wives?
No, under California law, inmates serving life sentences are not permitted conjugal visits. This means that neither Lyle nor Erik has been able to consummate their marriages.
4. How did Lyle Menendez meet his second wife, Rebecca Sneed?
Lyle Menendez and Rebecca Sneed knew each other for about ten years before they got married. Their relationship grew over time, and they tied the knot in 2003 while Lyle was serving his life sentence.
5. Are Lyle and Erik Menendez still in the same prison?
Yes, in 2018, Lyle Menendez was transferred to the same facility as his brother Erik, the RJ Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California, reuniting them after two decades of being in separate prisons.