Meet the Menendez Brothers’ Wives: Rebecca Sneed and Tammi Saccoman
4 min read
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Lyle and Erik Menendez, infamous for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, have spent over three decades in prison. Yet, even behind bars, both brothers have managed to forge personal relationships and marry women who have remained devoted to them. Lyle married Rebecca Sneed in 2003, while Erik wed Tammi Saccoman in 1999. Both women, through complicated personal journeys, have supported their husbands despite the life sentences imposed upon them. Here’s a closer look at these marriages.
Lyle Menendez and Rebecca Sneed
Lyle Menendez first married model Anna Eriksson in 1996, the year he was convicted of first-degree murder. This union was short-lived, as Eriksson reportedly ended the marriage after discovering Lyle was corresponding with other women. In 2003, Lyle married Rebecca Sneed, a journalist who had begun writing about the Menendez case while working in the field. Though the circumstances of their relationship are unique, Sneed and Lyle had known each other for nearly a decade by the time they married. Their wedding took place at Mule Creek State Prison, where Lyle is currently serving his sentence.
DA George Gascon has just advocated for the resentencing and the release of Erik and Lyle Menendez
— Justice 4 Lyle and Erik (@LyleErikJustice) October 24, 2024
Let that sink in. After 35 years these boys now have an extremely high chance of receiving justice and going free. I am absolutely beyond overwhelmed. This doesn’t feel real 😭💕 pic.twitter.com/z8fsGsw4n7Advertisement
Over the years, Rebecca has become an outspoken advocate for Lyle, who, along with his brother Erik, continues to maintain that their actions were motivated by years of abuse from their father. Sneed has worked to raise awareness of Lyle’s claims, participating in discussions about alleged trauma and abuse within the Menendez family. She has remained largely out of the public eye, preferring to support her husband’s legal battles from behind the scenes.
Erik Menendez and Tammi Saccoman
Erik Menendez met his wife, Tammi Saccoman, under similarly unusual circumstances. Tammi first became aware of Erik in 1993 during the Menendez brothers’ highly publicized trial. After following the case closely, she reached out to Erik, expressing her sympathy and support. Despite Erik’s life sentence, their relationship blossomed, and they were married in 1999 at Folsom State Prison. Tammi brought a unique set of experiences to her marriage with Erik; her former husband, Chuck Saccoman, died by suicide after confessing to assaulting his teenage daughter, a traumatic event that shaped Tammi’s views on family, loyalty, and resilience.
The fight is not over yet. With the resentencing recommendation now in place, the judge needs to release the brothers! Let Erik and Lyle come home to their family! Free the Menendez Brothers! #JusticeForErikAndLyle pic.twitter.com/Do0OXWsXW4
— 𝙶𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚎 (@graveburgers) October 24, 2024
Tammi has remained deeply committed to Erik, maintaining their relationship through letters, visits, and phone calls. She has even written a memoir, They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life With Erik Menendez, detailing her relationship with him and her enduring commitment. Tammi’s relationship with Erik has been controversial, given the nature of his conviction. Nevertheless, she remains an advocate for her husband, joining those who believe the Menendez brothers acted out of self-defense due to their father’s alleged abuse.
The Menendez Brothers’ Ongoing Legal Battle
The Menendez brothers’ marriages have added another layer to their decades-long narrative, which remains in the public eye due to recent legal developments. In light of newly surfaced evidence suggesting their father, Jose Menendez, may have engaged in abusive behavior, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has called for a resentencing hearing for the brothers. The potential for resentencing has reignited debates about the abuse claims and how it may impact their life sentences.
Today is not just a victory for Erik & Lyle Menendez, but also for Roy Rosselló whose brave testimony corroborates José’s heinous ab*se and Andy Cano who I know is smiling down at this step forward in seeing his cousins finally free ❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/LbrilRRCUQ
— 35 Years Is Enough ⚖️ (@FreeMenendez35) October 24, 2024
Despite the life sentences without parole imposed on Lyle and Erik, Rebecca and Tammi continue to provide steadfast support, hoping the new evidence will offer a path toward freedom. These women’s devotion has attracted both praise and criticism, with their unique marriages representing the complicated intersections of love, loyalty, and justice. As the brothers await further developments in their case, Rebecca and Tammi remain crucial figures in their lives, embodying hope and resilience within one of America’s most controversial criminal cases.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
