Erik and Lyle Menendez have one of he biggest cases in true crime history, and their parole hearings are currently underway. Erik’s is today, while Lyle’s is on Friday. If granted parole, it could mean freedom for the brothers who were 18 and 21 at the time of the murders. They are now 54 and 57.
The brothers have always had supporters, but when it comes to Erik, he has a wife named Tammi, hoping she finally gets to meet her husband outside of prison.
Ahead of his trial, Tammi wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, “Wishing my amazing husband all the love and strength for his parole hearing tomorrow. “I believe in you and can’t wait for this new chapter together. You’ve got this!”
Tammi and Erik’s love story
© GettyTammi married Erik Menendez on June 12, 1999, nearly a decade after he and his brother Lyle were convicted of murdering their parents in Beverly Hills. While most people know the Menendez brothers for the crime itself, Tammi’s name is tied to the unexpected love story that unfolded long after the trial ended.
Tammi has said her first contact with Erik came after she watched a documentary about the case in 1997. She felt drawn to him and decided to write a letter, which she never expected to go anywhere. But the letters turned into conversations, conversations turned into visits, and before long, she was flying across the country to see him.
By the time they got married in Folsom State Prison in June 1999, Tammi had already left her old life behind, determined to start a new chapter, even if that chapter didn’t look like anyone else’s idea of a “normal” marriage.
© GettyIn her 2005 book They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life With Erik Menendez, Tammi described the relationship as deeply fulfilling despite its unusual circumstances.
She called Erik her soulmate and explained that their bond wasn’t based on physical closeness, but on emotional intimacy and loyalty. Over the years, Tammi has stood by her man and has always had nothing but the best things to say about him. Painting a picture of a husband who is kind, caring, and committed to her, even from behind bars.
Like any woman who falls in love with an inmate, public reaction to Tammi has always been mixed. While some think it’s romantic, there is still that looming judgment and questions over the kind of woman who would pursue a killer.
© GettyMore than two decades later, Tammi is still married to Erik, raising her daughter from a previous marriage and continuing to advocate for him.
© GettyErik has also expressed how thankful he is for his wife. In 2005, he told PEOPLE, “Tammi’s love was a major step in my choosing life.” “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,” he said.
What happens if he is granted parole
© Ted SoquiIf the brothers are granted parole by the panel, it will then go to the parole board’s legal team, which has 120 days to review. The final decision will then go to California Gov. Gavin Newsom. If everything goes smoothly, they could be released by the end of 2026.
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