Erik Menendez ’s wife, Tammi Menendez , is hoping that he is released from prison in time for his next birthday and the upcoming holiday season. “Only 22 days until Erik’s birthday! Let’s not allow him to spend another birthday, Thanksgiving, or Christmas behind bars. It’s time for someone to step up and do what’s right!” Tammi wrote via X on Tuesday, November 5.
Erik and his brother, Lyle Menendez , were both convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to murder in 1996 for fatally shooting their parents, José and Kitty Menendez , in 1989. The Menendez brothers were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole and are both currently incarcerated in San Diego County, California. During the brothers’ first trial, which began in 1993, the defense argued that Erik, now 53, and Lyle, now 56, killed their parents in self-defense after years of alleged sexual, emotional and physical abuse.
The jury was unable to reach a verdict, resulting in a mistrial. During their second trial, which began in 1995, much of the sexual abuse evidence was excluded. Erik and Lyle’s case has been back in the spotlight since the fictionalized account of the case Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story premiered on Netflix in September.
The brothers’ legal team requested clemency for their clients on October 28, two days after NBC published an essay penned by Kim Kardashian advocating for Erik and Lyle’s release. “I have spent time with Lyle and Erik; th.