Lyle Menendez Wife
Rebecca Sneed, the wife of Lyle Menendez, has recently found herself in the spotlight due to a series of tumultuous events surrounding her husband’s past and their relationship. Married in 2003 during a prison ceremony, their union has endured significant challenges, particularly in light of Lyle’s notorious history as one of the Menendez brothers, convicted for the brutal murder of their parents in 1989. As rumors swirl about Lyle’s alleged infidelity with a young student, Rebecca has publicly addressed these claims, confirming their separation while emphasizing their enduring friendship and shared commitment to advocating for Lyle’s freedom.
Rebecca Sneed
Rebecca Sneed, born on March 15, 1985, is a magazine journalist who developed a relationship with Lyle Menendez through written correspondence. They had known each other for over a decade before marrying at Mule Creek State Prison in November 2003.
After their marriage, Rebecca transitioned from journalism to law, likely influenced by Lyle’s incarceration. In a 2017 interview with PEOPLE, Lyle shared that their interactions are often free from distractions, allowing for more intimate conversations compared to many couples outside of prison. He emphasized the significance of their daily phone calls and visits, stating that their relationship provides him with peace and joy amidst the challenges of prison life.
When discussing why Rebecca chose to marry him despite his life sentence, Lyle noted that every marriage is unique and suggested that she resonated with certain aspects of his story, particularly regarding child abuse and their shared New Jersey roots. He acknowledged the difficulties in maintaining intimacy but expressed contentment with their emotional bond. Currently, Rebecca resides in Imperial Beach, California, which is less than half an hour from Lyle’s location at RJ Donovan Correctional Facility.
In 2014, reports emerged that Rebecca was seeking a divorce after discovering that her husband of 11 years was living a double life as a gay man in prison. Convict-turned-author Eugene L. Weems disclosed to The National Enquirer that Lyle was allegedly involved with an ex-gang member named Chino at Mule Creek State Prison. Weems claimed that Rebecca was “hysterical” upon learning this news.
Rebecca Sneed became Lyle Menendez’s second wife after years of correspondence while he was incarcerated. At the time of their marriage, she was described as a magazine editor from Sacramento but has since become an attorney. The couple married when Lyle was 35 and Rebecca was 33. Their wedding took place in the maximum-security visiting area of Mule Creek State Prison.
Rebecca and Lyle reportedly knew each other for approximately ten years before their engagement; she is also known as Rebecca Lynn Menendez. She attended Lincoln Law School and earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English before receiving her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Kean University. Currently, she works as an attorney at Powers and Miller.
Unlike his brother Erik, Lyle Menendez has largely remained quiet during his life sentence at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione, California. According to a 2012 article in People magazine, he spends his time lifting weights, playing basketball, and caring for his pet lizard.
Lyle had previously been married to Anna Eriksson, a former model and longtime pen pal. They were divorced on April 1, 2001, after Anna discovered Lyle’s infidelity through letters to other women.
Lyle Menendez Ex Wife Anna Eriksson
Lyle Menendez’s first marriage to Anna Eriksson was marked by attempts to have their wedding officiated by Judge Nancy Brown just before Lyle’s sentencing. However, after court officials intervened, they secretly married via telephone conference call later that day. Despite this unconventional ceremony, the California Department of Corrections did not recognize their marriage as legal.
The couple remained together for five years until Anna filed for divorce in 2001 due to Lyle’s infidelity. Two years after his divorce from Anna, Lyle married Rebecca Sneed.
Recently, the Los Angeles District Attorney announced a petition for the release of both Lyle and Erik Menendez after more than 30 years behind bars, reigniting discussions about their case and the potential reevaluation of their sentences.
On November 25, 2024, Lyle Menendez announced a significant personal update: his wife, Rebecca Sneed, has confirmed their separation. Rebecca, who married Lyle in 2003, shared this news on his Facebook account, stating that they have been “separated for a while now.”
She emphasized that their split is amicable and unrelated to any cheating scandal, asserting that they remain “best friends and family.” This clarification comes amid reports of Lyle allegedly having an affair with a 21-year-old student named Milly Bucksey, with whom he has reportedly been seen during prison visits and communicating through a cell phone.
Despite these rumors, Rebecca remains committed to supporting Lyle and his brother Erik in their fight for freedom. She plans to keep Lyle’s Facebook page updated with news about their case and reiterated her dedication to advocating for them. Currently, Lyle is serving a life sentence for the 1989 murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez.
