Key Takeaways:
• Lyle Menendez, convicted murderer, has a unique history of romantic involvement while serving his life sentence.
• Lyle first got married to Anna Eriksson in 1996 under unconventional circumstances; their marriage ended due to Lyle’s infidelity.
• Eriksson was replaced by Rebecca Sneed, a former magazine editor turned defense attorney, who Lyle married in 2003.
• Sneed and Menendez have a very unusual yet passionate relationship despite the confinements of prison.
• Rebecca Sneed recently announced their separation on Facebook, contradicting Lyle’s affirmations about their strong bond.
The Menendez Brothers and Their Infamous Life
Lyle Menendez and his younger brother, Erik Menendez, are etched in history for their notorious 1993 trial over the murder of their parents, Mary Louise “Kitty” and José Menendez. Claiming years of intense physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, the brothers shot and killed their parents, consequently earning life sentences. Despite their incarceration, both brothers attracted considerable attention from women resulting in marriages while in prison.
Lyle Menendez and His Relationships
Anna Eriksson: An Affair Cut Short
Born in Chicago, Anna Eriksson started her career as a teenage model for Lord & Taylor before eventually finding success in Europe during the 1980s. Anna’s romantic involvement with Lyle began during his trial, starting with a simple letter expressing support. Their correspondence blossomed into something deeper, leading Eriksson to move to L.A. closer to Lyle. The couple got married on July 2, 1996, right before the brothers’ conviction.
Because their wedding took place over the phone, the California Department of Corrections failed to recognize their union, terming it as ‘not a legal marriage.’ The couple’s married life ended abruptly when Eriksson discovered Lyle’s infidelity, leading to their divorce in 2001.
Rebecca Sneed: A Smoldering Spark Ignites
Stepping into the void left by Eriksson was Rebecca Sneed, a former magazine editor turned defense attorney. Starting with letters as well, the relationship between Lyle and Rebecca culminated in a 2003 wedding inside California’s Mule Creek State Prison after nearly a decade of correspondence.
Despite their exclusionary circumstances, Lyle depicts his marriage to Rebecca as a strong one, structured around unique communication methods. This counteracts the unpredictable, highly stressful penitentiary environment, resulting in a calming, joyful influence on the convict’s life.
Contradictions and Disconnect
Rebecca’s recent Facebook post contradicts Lyle’s glowing testimonials about their relationship. Acknowledging their prolonged separation, Rebecca highlighted their continued friendship and persevering fight for the freedom of both Lyle and Erik. She specifically dismissed rumors of Lyle’s infidelity with a younger woman.
The Separation of Rebecca and Lyle: A Question Mark Over Their Future?
Despite separating, Rebecca continues to manage Lyle’s social media accounts, vowing to keep supporters updated about the Menendez brothers. This move somewhat overlaps with Lyle’s comments reflecting on his two decades-long marriage. Menendez’s statement praises the positive aspects of their relationship and his role as a husband, despite being in prison.
Meanwhile, Erik Menendez, Lyle’s brother, has been married to Tammi Saccoman since 1999. The couple’s relationship, similar to Lyle and his two wives, also started through letter correspondence.
In the face of all these intriguing developments, the question remains: What does the future hold for Lyle and Rebecca? Only time will tell.
End Note
In the annals of legal history, the Menendez brothers have earned a unique position not only for their gruesome crimes but also their romantic involvements behind the bars.