The Menendez brothers gained notoriety with the release of the Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story in 2024. They were found guilty of killing their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, in 1989 at their Beverly Hills residence. Lyle was 21 years old, while Erik was 18 at the time of the crime. Following the murder, the brothers spent around $700,000 before being apprehended in 1990.
During their trials, the brothers alleged that they had been subjected to abuse by their parents for many years, with their late father being accused of sexual abuse. Currently, Lyle and Erik are serving their sentences at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in California.
Lyle and Erik were both sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 1996. Despite being held separately for a significant portion of their incarceration, they were reunited in April 2018 at the same facility in California. In May 2023, their attorneys filed a petition to have their convictions overturned. The petition argued that their parents had been abusive, and the killings were acts of manslaughter in self-defense. However, no decision has been made regarding their release.
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón recommended resentencing for the Menendez brothers in October 2024, suggesting that they be eligible for immediate parole if approved by the judge. A court hearing scheduled for December 11, 2024, was postponed to allow the new L.A. County district attorney more time to review the case.
Erik confessed to the murders during a therapy session with his psychologist, Dr. Jerome Oziel, who was later informed by Oziel’s mistress, Judalon Smyth. This led to the brothers’ arrest.
Despite being incarcerated, both Lyle and Erik have pursued relationships. Lyle has been married twice while in prison, first to Anna Eriksson in 1996 and then to Rebecca Sneed in 2003. However, Lyle and Rebecca separated in late 2024. Erik met his wife, Tammi Saccoman, through letters while in prison, and they have been married since 1999.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) for support and resources. For assistance with substance abuse, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).