Lyle Menéndez is currently serving a life sentence for first-degree murder with his wife, Rebecca Sneed, by his side. Prior to finding love with Sneed, Lyle and his brother, Erik Menéndez, made headlines after being charged with the murder of their parents in 1990. Lyle began corresponding with former model Anna Eriksson shortly after his arrest, and their relationship almost led to marriage before court officials intervened. Erik and Lyle were eventually convicted and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, claiming that their actions were in self-defense against their abusive parents.
In 1996, on the day of his sentencing, Lyle secretly married Eriksson through a telephone conference call, although the marriage was not considered legal by the California Department of Corrections. Eriksson filed for divorce in 2001 after learning that Lyle was in contact with other women. Lyle later married Sneed in 2003 after corresponding with her while in prison. Sneed, unlike Erik Menéndez’s wife, Tammi Menéndez, has remained out of the public eye. Lyle expressed gratitude for Sneed’s support and courage, as she has dealt with judgment from others due to their relationship.
Sneed and Lyle’s marriage has remained strong, with Sneed transitioning from journalism to law and visiting Lyle weekly in prison. Lyle mentioned in a 2017 interview that their communication is intimate and free from distractions, despite the lack of conjugal visits due to his life sentence without parole. While reflecting on their marriage, Lyle emphasized the importance of connection and communication over physical comfort. Sneed has chosen to support Lyle while avoiding interviews and staying out of the public eye.
In 2024, the Los Angeles District Attorney recommended that Erik and Lyle be resentenced to 50 years, potentially making them eligible for parole and release from prison. Previous appeals for resentencing were denied, but new projects like the television series “Monsters, The Menéndez Brothers” have brought attention to their case. The recommendation for resentencing came after new evidence surfaced in their murder case, leading to a new hearing and the possibility of a reduced sentence for the brothers. Despite their past convictions, there may be a chance for Erik and Lyle Menéndez to see freedom after years behind bars.
