The Menendez brothers’ case has gained renewed attention, leading many to wonder what their lives are like now.
Lyle and Erik Menendez were sentenced to life in prison for the 1989 murder of their parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, at their Beverly Hills home. However, this hasn’t stopped them from building their own lives while behind bars. Now 56 and 53 years old, respectively, both brothers have started families during their time in prison.
Since the release of Ryan Murphy’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, renewed attention has prompted many to wonder if the brothers have any children. Read on to learn more about Lyle and Erik’s family lives.
Do the Menendez Brothers Have Children?
The Menendez brothers do not have any biological children. Erik is a stepfather to his wife Tammi Menendez’s daughter, Talia, from her previous marriage. Lyle, although married, does not have any children.
Who Are the Menendez Brothers Married To?
Erik has been married to Tammi since 1999. Their relationship began when she first sent him a letter, and it blossomed from there. In a past interview with PEOPLE, he shared, “Tammi’s love was a major step in my choosing life.” He added, “Having someone who loves you unconditionally, who you can be completely open with, is good for anybody — to know that this person loves me as I am.”
Lyle has been married twice. He first wed model Anna Eriksson in 1996, but they divorced in 2001 after she allegedly claimed that Lyle was unfaithful, according to the outlet. He then married his current wife, journalist Rebecca Sneed, in 2003. In a 2017 interview with People, Lyle said,“We try and talk on the phone every day, sometimes several times a day. I have a very steady, involved marriage and that helps sustain me and brings a lot of peace and joy. It’s a counter to the unpredictable, very stressful environment here.”
Recent rumors suggest that Lyle cheated on Rebecca after being seen with 21-year-old British student Milly Bucksey. According to the Daily Mail, which published photos of the two embracing at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, the older brother allegedly noticed her through a Facebook group managed by his wife, Rebecca.
Addressing the situation on Facebook, Rebecca, 55, announced that she and Lyle “have been separated for a while now but remain best friends and family.” She added, “I continue to run his Facebook pages, with input from him, and I am forever committed to the enduring fight for Lyle and Erik’s freedom, as has been so evident over the years.”
Rebecca also confirmed that Lyle’s recent relationship “is NOT a cheating scandal.”
Where Are the Menendez Brothers Now?
The Menendez brothers might have a chance at freedom as former Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón took steps to support their case. According to the L.A. District Attorney’s Office, Gascón stated, “I strongly support clemency for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are currently serving sentences of life without possibility of parole. They have respectively served 34 years and have continued their educations and worked to create new programs to support the rehabilitation of fellow inmates.” He also expressed that the brothers should be resentenced and granted the possibility of parole immediately.
Although their case gained renewed attention through Ryan Murphy’s show and their documentary, Gascón lost his reelection bid to Nathan Hochman. Hochman stated he would review the case before making any decisions, according to NBC News. The brothers have a hearing scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024, to determine the next steps under the new L.A. District Attorney.
If you or anyone you know has been sexually abused, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, judgment-free support as well as local resources to assist in healing, recovering and more.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
