The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, are two names that have stayed in the headlines for decades. In 1996, they were sentenced to life in prison for the 1989 murder of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez. Since then, their story has been told in documentaries, TV shows, and books. But what many people are still curious about today is this: who are the wife Menendez brothers now?
Yes, both brothers got married in prison. And yes, their wives have stood by them through years of trials, media attention, and the daily challenges of being married to someone behind bars. Let’s take a closer look at the wives of Lyle and Erik Menendez—where they are now and what their lives look like.
Lyle Menendez and Rebecca Sneed
How They Met
Lyle Menendez, the older of the two brothers, was born in 1968. He met Rebecca Sneed, a journalist and later an attorney, in the 1990s after his arrest. Their relationship started with letters and visits. As their bond grew stronger, they decided to get married. In 2003, they tied the knot in a prison ceremony at Mule Creek State Prison in California.
At the time, Rebecca had already worked as a magazine editor and was familiar with the media world. But her life took a different path after she got involved with Lyle. She later became a lawyer, focusing much of her time on helping with Lyle’s legal situation and supporting his appeals.
Married Life in Prison
Prison marriages are far from easy. There are no conjugal visits allowed for life-sentenced inmates in California, which means physical contact is extremely limited. Their time together is mostly spent talking during visiting hours or communicating through letters and phone calls.
Despite this, Rebecca remained dedicated to Lyle. She kept a very low profile, avoiding the public eye for many years. While she was deeply involved in Lyle’s legal and emotional support, she didn’t often speak to the media or share details about their relationship.
Recent Update: They’ve Separated
In late 2024, after more than 20 years of marriage, Rebecca Sneed announced that she and Lyle were separating. She shared the news through Lyle’s official social media accounts. Although they’re no longer a couple, she said they’re still best friends and support each other like family.
This announcement came as a surprise to many fans who had followed their long relationship. Rebecca explained that their decision was mutual and that there was no drama—just a change in the way they saw their future.
Erik Menendez and Tammi Saccoman
How Their Story Began
Erik Menendez, the younger brother, was born in 1970. Like Lyle, he also found love while behind bars. Erik’s wife is Tammi Saccoman, a woman from California who first heard about the Menendez case during the 1990s trials.
Tammi started writing to Erik in the late 1990s after watching a documentary about the brothers. She felt drawn to him and wanted to offer her support. Over time, their letters turned into a strong emotional bond. In 1999, she married Erik in a prison ceremony at Folsom State Prison.
Life Together, Apart
Tammi has always been open about the challenges of being married to a prisoner. In her book, “They Said We’d Never Make It,” she talks about how hard it is to build a relationship without physical closeness. Like Lyle, Erik isn’t allowed conjugal visits, so their marriage is based entirely on emotional support.
Still, Tammi has stayed loyal. She raises her daughter, Talia, from a previous relationship, and Talia even calls Erik her “Earth Dad.” The family lives with a deep sense of love and unity—even if Erik can’t be with them physically.
How Tammi Stays Strong
Tammi says she finds strength in her love for Erik and her belief in his innocence. She has dedicated herself to helping bring attention to what she and others believe was an unfair trial. She speaks out in interviews, writes articles, and works with legal teams hoping for a new trial or possible parole for the brothers.
Media Pressure and Public Interest
Interest in the Menendez brothers hasn’t gone away. In fact, it’s grown recently thanks to a new Netflix docuseries titled “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.” The show dives into the brothers’ past, the court case, and the emotional layers behind their actions.
While shows like this bring more attention to the case, not everyone is happy about how things are portrayed. Both Tammi and Rebecca have said that the media often focuses more on the crime than the full story. They want people to see the brothers not just as criminals, but as human beings who went through serious trauma growing up.
Tammi has been especially vocal, calling out the inaccuracies in the Netflix series and standing by Erik’s version of the story.
Wife Menendez Brothers Now: Where Are They Today?
The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, are two names that have stayed in the headlines for decades. In 1996, they were sentenced to life in prison for the 1989 murder of their parents, José and Kitty Menendez. Since then, their story has been told in documentaries, TV shows, and books. But what many people are still curious about today is this: who are the wives of the Menendez brothers now?
Yes, both brothers got married in prison. And yes, their wives have stood by them through years of trials, media attention, and the daily challenges of being married to someone behind bars. Let’s take a closer look at the wives of Lyle and Erik Menendez—where they are now and what their lives look like.
Lyle Menendez and Rebecca Sneed
How They Met
Lyle Menendez, the older of the two brothers, was born in 1968. He met Rebecca Sneed, a journalist and later an attorney, in the 1990s after his arrest. Their relationship started with letters and visits. As their bond grew stronger, they decided to get married. In 2003, they tied the knot in a prison ceremony at Mule Creek State Prison in California.
At the time, Rebecca had already worked as a magazine editor and was familiar with the media world. But her life took a different path after she got involved with Lyle. She later became a lawyer, focusing much of her time on helping with Lyle’s legal situation and supporting his appeals.
Married Life in Prison
Prison marriages are far from easy. There are no conjugal visits allowed for life-sentenced inmates in California, which means physical contact is extremely limited. Their time together is mostly spent talking during visiting hours or communicating through letters and phone calls.
Despite this, Rebecca remained dedicated to Lyle. She kept a very low profile, avoiding the public eye for many years. While she was deeply involved in Lyle’s legal and emotional support, she didn’t often speak to the media or share details about their relationship.
Recent Update: They’ve Separated
In late 2024, after more than 20 years of marriage, Rebecca Sneed announced that she and Lyle were separating. She shared the news through Lyle’s official social media accounts. Although they’re no longer a couple, she said they’re still best friends and support each other like family.
This announcement came as a surprise to many fans who had followed their long relationship. Rebecca explained that their decision was mutual and that there was no drama—just a change in the way they saw their future.
Erik Menendez and Tammi Saccoman
How Their Story Began
Erik Menendez, the younger brother, was born in 1970. Like Lyle, he also found love while behind bars. Erik’s wife is Tammi Saccoman, a woman from California who first heard about the Menendez case during the 1990s trials.
Tammi started writing to Erik in the late 1990s after watching a documentary about the brothers. She felt drawn to him and wanted to offer her support. Over time, their letters turned into a strong emotional bond. In 1999, she married Erik in a prison ceremony at Folsom State Prison.
Life Together, Apart
Tammi has always been open about the challenges of being married to a prisoner. In her book, “They Said We’d Never Make It,” she talks about how hard it is to build a relationship without physical closeness. Like Lyle, Erik isn’t allowed conjugal visits, so their marriage is based entirely on emotional support.
Still, Tammi has stayed loyal. She raises her daughter, Talia, from a previous relationship, and Talia even calls Erik her “Earth Dad.” The family lives with a deep sense of love and unity—even if Erik can’t be with them physically.
How Tammi Stays Strong
Tammi says she finds strength in her love for Erik and her belief in his innocence. She has dedicated herself to helping bring attention to what she and others believe was an unfair trial. She speaks out in interviews, writes articles, and works with legal teams hoping for a new trial or possible parole for the brothers.
Media Pressure and Public Interest
Interest in the Menendez brothers hasn’t gone away. In fact, it’s grown recently thanks to a new Netflix docuseries titled “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.” The show dives into the brothers’ past, the court case, and the emotional layers behind their actions.
While shows like this bring more attention to the case, not everyone is happy about how things are portrayed. Both Tammi and Rebecca have said that the media often focuses more on the crime than the full story. They want people to see the brothers not just as criminals, but as human beings who went through serious trauma growing up.
Tammi has been especially vocal, calling out the inaccuracies in the Netflix series and standing by Erik’s version of the story.
What’s Next for the Menendez Brothers and Their Wives?
As of early 2025, there may be new hope for Lyle and Erik Menendez. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office is reviewing their case again, and a resentencing hearing is possible. If granted, it could lead to a reduced sentence or even parole.
Even though Rebecca and Lyle are no longer a couple, she continues to support him as a close friend. Meanwhile, Tammi is still Erik’s wife and continues to advocate for his release every day.
Both women have shown incredible strength, patience, and loyalty over the years. Their stories offer a glimpse into a world most of us can’t imagine—loving someone behind bars for life and holding onto hope, despite all odds.
Final Thoughts
The story of the wife Menendez brothers now isn’t just about prison marriages—it’s about commitment, hope, and the human need for connection. Rebecca and Tammi didn’t marry celebrities or millionaires—they married men with complex pasts and uncertain futures. And yet, they found love, friendship, and purpose in these unusual relationships.
No matter what happens next, their stories will always be a reminder that love can exist—even in the darkest of places.