History of Lyle and Erik Menéndez in Timeline

Lyle and Erik Menendez are infamous for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. The brothers claimed self-defense, alleging years of abuse, but were ultimately convicted in 1996. The case garnered significant media attention, sparking debates about family dynamics, abuse, and the criminal justice system.

1941: Mary Louise Andersen is Born

Mary Louise "Kitty" Andersen, who would later marry José Menéndez, was born in 1941.

May 6, 1944: José Menéndez is Born

José Enrique Menéndez was born on May 6, 1944, in Havana, Cuba.

1963: José and Kitty Menéndez Marry

José Menéndez and Mary Louise "Kitty" Andersen were married in 1963. They met while attending Southern Illinois University.

January 10, 1968: Lyle Menéndez is Born

On January 10, 1968, Joseph Lyle Menéndez was born in New York, the first son of José and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menéndez.

January 10, 1968: Lyle Menéndez is Born, Family Moves to New Jersey

After the birth of their first son, Joseph Lyle, on January 10, 1968, José and Kitty Menéndez moved their family to New Jersey.

November 27, 1970: Erik Menéndez is Born

Erik Galen Menéndez was born on November 27, 1970 in Gloucester Township, New Jersey to parents José and Kitty Menéndez.

1976: Lyle Menéndez Alleges Abuse to Cousin

In 1976, Lyle Menéndez confided in his cousin, Diane Vander Molen, alleging sexual abuse by his father, José Menéndez. Vander Molen told Kitty, but she sided with her husband.

1986: The Menéndez Family Moves to Beverly Hills

José Menéndez's career as a corporate executive led the family to move to Beverly Hills, California in 1986.

August 20, 1989: The Menéndez Murders

On the evening of August 20, 1989, José and Kitty Menéndez were shot and killed in their Beverly Hills mansion. Lyle and Erik Menéndez, their sons, were later convicted of the murders.

August 20, 1989: The Menéndez Brothers' Defense: A Lifetime of Abuse

During their trial, Lyle and Erik Menéndez claimed they killed their parents, José and Kitty Menéndez, on August 20, 1989, out of fear for their lives after enduring years of abuse.

1989: Erik Menéndez Displays Tennis Talent

In 1989, Erik Menéndez, while attending Beverly Hills High School, showed significant talent in tennis, even ranking 44th in the US as a junior tennis player.

1989: Death of Kitty Menéndez

Mary Louise "Kitty" Menéndez died in 1989. She was married to José Menéndez, and they had two sons, Lyle and Erik.

March 8, 1990: Lyle Menéndez Arrested

On March 8, 1990, Lyle Menéndez was arrested in connection with the murders of his parents, José and Kitty Menéndez. His brother Erik turned himself in three days later.

August 1990: Judge Rules on Admissibility of Tapes in Menéndez Case

In August 1990, Judge James Albrecht ruled that tapes of conversations between Erik Menéndez and his psychologist, Jerome Oziel, were admissible as evidence in the murder case against the Menéndez brothers.

August 1992: Supreme Court Rules on Menéndez Tapes

In August 1992, the Supreme Court of California ruled that most of the tapes of conversations between Erik Menéndez and his psychologist were admissible as evidence, but excluded one tape.

December 1992: Menéndez Brothers Indicted for Murder

In December 1992, a Los Angeles County grand jury indicted Lyle and Erik Menéndez on charges of murdering their parents, following the Supreme Court's ruling on the admissibility of key tapes.

1993: The Menéndez Trial Begins

The trial of Lyle and Erik Menéndez for the murder of their parents began in 1993 and became a national sensation, broadcast on Court TV.

July 2, 1996: Lyle Menéndez Marries Anna Eriksson

On July 2, 1996, Lyle Menéndez married Anna Eriksson in a ceremony attended by his attorney and aunt. The wedding was officiated by Judge Nancy Brown. This was a significant personal milestone for Lyle while he was in prison.

July 2, 1996: The Menéndez Brothers are Sentenced to Life in Prison

On July 2, 1996, Lyle and Erik Menéndez were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murders of their parents.

1996: The Menéndez Brothers are Convicted of Murder

In 1996, Lyle and Erik Menéndez were convicted for the murders of their parents, José and Mary Louise "Kitty" Menéndez.

February 27, 1998: Appeals Court Upholds Convictions

On February 27, 1998, the California Court of Appeal upheld the murder convictions of Lyle and Erik Menéndez, maintaining the guilty verdicts for both brothers. This decision was a significant moment in their legal battles, marking the continuation of their sentences.

May 28, 1998: Supreme Court Declines Review

On May 28, 1998, the Supreme Court of California declined to review the Menéndez brothers' case. This decision effectively upheld the ruling of the appellate court and left the brothers without further state court appeal options.

June 12, 1999: Erik Menéndez Marries Tammi Ruth Saccoman

On June 12, 1999, Erik Menéndez married Tammi Ruth Saccoman in a waiting room at Folsom State Prison. Tammi described the wedding, which included a Twinkie as a wedding cake, as a wonderful ceremony despite the challenging circumstances.

1999: Habeas Corpus Petitions Denied

In 1999, the Supreme Court of California denied the habeas corpus petitions filed by Lyle and Erik Menéndez. This marked a significant setback in their legal efforts to overturn their convictions.

April 1, 2001: Lyle and Anna's Divorce

On April 1, 2001, Lyle Menéndez and Anna Eriksson divorced after she discovered allegations of his infidelity. This event marked the end of their marriage, which had begun in 1996.

March 4, 2003: Federal Magistrate Judge's Recommendation

On March 4, 2003, a magistrate judge recommended the denial of the Menéndez brothers' habeas corpus petitions in the United States District Court. This recommendation was later adopted by the district court, continuing the brothers' legal struggles.

November 2003: Lyle Menéndez Marries Rebecca Sneed

In November 2003, Lyle Menéndez married Rebecca Sneed at Mule Creek State Prison. They had known each other for about ten years before getting engaged, signifying a long-term relationship despite Lyle's incarceration.

September 7, 2005: Ninth Circuit Denies Petitions

On September 7, 2005, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit denied the habeas corpus petitions of Lyle and Erik Menéndez. Despite noting changes in the trial judge's rulings, the three-judge panel upheld the previous decisions.

October 2005: Tammi Saccoman Interview

In October 2005, Tammi Ruth Saccoman described her relationship with Erik Menéndez in an interview with ABC News as something very special that she had dreamed about for a long time. This highlighted her continued support for Erik despite his incarceration.

2005: Publication of Tammi Saccoman's Book

In 2005, Tammi Ruth Saccoman self-published a book titled They Said We'd Never Make It – My Life with Erik Menéndez. She revealed in an interview that Erik had significantly contributed to the editing of the book.

2010: A&E Documentary Release

In 2010, A&E released a documentary titled Mrs. Menéndez about Tammi Ruth Saccoman and her relationship with Erik Menéndez. The documentary provided insights into their lives and the impact of Erik's imprisonment.

2017: The Menendez Murders: Erik Tells All

In late 2017, A&E aired a five-part documentary series titled The Menendez Murders: Erik Tells All. The series featured Erik Menéndez describing the murders and their aftermath via telephone, along with new interviews and unseen photos.

February 2018: Lyle Menéndez Transferred to Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility

In February 2018, Lyle Menéndez was transferred to the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, the same facility where his brother, Erik, was incarcerated. They were kept in separate units.

April 4, 2018: The Menéndez Brothers Reunited After 22 Years

On April 4, 2018, after nearly 22 years of separation, Lyle and Erik Menéndez were reunited when Lyle was moved to the same housing unit as Erik at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility.

April 18, 2023: Roy Rosselló's Allegation

On April 18, 2023, during a segment of the Today Show, Roy Rosselló alleged that he had been drugged and raped by José Menéndez at the age of 14. This revelation came as part of a promotion for an upcoming docuseries and added new context to the Menéndez brothers' claims of abuse.

May 2023: Menéndez Brothers Seek New Hearing

In May 2023, Lyle and Erik Menéndez filed documents requesting a new hearing based on newly discovered evidence. This evidence included claims that their father, José Menéndez, had molested Roy Rosselló, a former member of a boy band.