Tammi Saccoman
62-year-old Tammi Saccoman is the wife of Erik Menendez who along his brother Lyle is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the brutal 1989 murder of their parents Jose and Mary Kitty Menendez at their Beverly Hills mansion.
You all know the story of Erik and his brother Lyle, to summarize, it was August 20, 1989 when Erik then 18 and Lyle then 20, first shot their father Jose in the back of the head with a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, using the same firearm they shot their mother Kitty first in the leg, then in the face, arm and chest.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has initiated a petition to resentence Erik and Lyle Menendez, potentially allowing the brothers, who are currently serving life sentences for murdering their parents, to be eligible for parole. Gascón announced this significant decision regarding the high-profile case on Thursday, stating that the brothers have “paid their debt to society.”
The petition seeks to modify their sentences to 50 years to life on two counts of first-degree murder. Under California law, this change would make them eligible for youth parole, as they were under 26 years old at the time of the crime and have served over 30 years in prison.
With the petition filed, it will now be presented to a judge. If the judge agrees with both the defense and the district attorney, a parole board will assess whether the brothers have been rehabilitated and if they pose a risk to society.
During a news conference on Thursday, Nancy Theberge, deputy head of Gascón’s resentencing unit, expressed her hope that the petition would be heard by a judge within 30 to 45 days. She mentioned that the Menendez brothers could attend the hearing either in person or via Zoom.
The decision to pursue resentencing followed the submission of new evidence by the brothers’ attorneys last year, which highlighted abuse they allegedly suffered from their father, Jose Menendez, a wealthy music executive. In recent months, family members and advocates—including celebrities—have urged Gascón’s office to reconsider the convictions based on this new evidence and evolving perspectives on sexual abuse victims.
The Menendez brothers were convicted in 1996 for the murders of their parents after their first trial ended in a hung jury. Their defense claimed they acted in self-defense due to long-term abuse from both parents, while prosecutors contended that the brothers were motivated by a desire to inherit their parents’ fortune, valued at around $15 million.
The case has gained renewed attention due to recent documentaries and a controversial true crime drama that have reignited public interest.
Next Steps
Theberge indicated that the resentencing unit will collaborate with the defense to establish a court date for hearing the petition. The presiding judge will then decide whether to grant resentencing and determine if the brothers can be considered for parole. If approved, they will appear before a parole board focused on assessing their rehabilitation and safety for release.
Gascón noted that while he supports resentencing, some members of his office may oppose it in court. He encouraged dissenting voices to express their views during proceedings.
Rationale Behind Gascón’s Decision
Gascón revealed that he reached his decision shortly before announcing it at the news conference. After reviewing arguments from both sides, he acknowledged differing opinions within his office regarding whether the brothers should remain incarcerated or be released. He concluded that there was substantial evidence of dysfunction and abuse within their home environment that warranted reconsideration of their sentences.
Additionally, Gascón highlighted the positive behavior exhibited by the brothers while in prison. They have actively sought self-improvement and worked to enhance conditions for fellow inmates by forming support groups addressing untreated trauma and assisting disabled prisoners.
New Evidence
Among the new evidence considered was a letter allegedly written by Erik Menendez to his cousin eight months before the murders, in which he referenced ongoing abuse. The letter expressed Erik’s fear and anxiety regarding his father’s behavior.
The district attorney’s office also reviewed allegations made by a former member of the pop band Menudo, who claimed he was abused by Jose Menendez—details revealed in a documentary titled “Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed.” This information contributed to the habeas corpus petition filed by the brothers’ attorneys in May 2023.
In summary, Gascón’s office has officially filed for resentencing, seeking life sentences with eligibility for parole instead of life without parole. The judge now has 30 to 45 days to make a ruling on this matter.
Tammi Saccoman aka Tammi Menendez.
She sent me a letter during my first trial. It’s funny, I have a visual memory of seeing her letter. I believe in soul mates, spirituality, in a religious sense, believe in God and that nothing happens by chance. I saw Tammi’s letter and felt something. I’ve received thousands of letters, but set this one aside. I got a feeling. And wrote her back. We continued to correspond, enjoyed writing to her. It was a slow friendship. It was special to me because it was not associated with the trial and the media. Tammi was someone not in the craziness.
At the time Tammi was married to the father of her daughter Talia, who referred to Erik as her earth father. After his conviction Erik and Tammi lost track.
She was going through a rough time to herself, her husband committed suicide and she found herself a single mother. She turned to Erik.
Meeting for the first time
Tammi and Erik met for the first time in person in August 1997.
I was nerve-wracked about meeting Tammi. Once I did, I knew right away that I could fall in love with her. I wanted as much from her as she could give emotionally. I knew I liked her too much. Didn’t see Tammi falling in love with me. Remember that when I first met Tammi it was the most beautiful experience of my life. When she crossed the room… Wow! My body lit on fire.
Erik and Tammi were 28 and 37 years respectively when they got married on June 3rd, 1999 at Folsom State Prison. Tammi wrote about about her marriage to Erik Menendez, the book titled They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life With Erik Menendez, was published in October, 2005; a documentary on Tammi Menendez, titled Mrs. Menendez was released by A&E in 2010.
