More than three decades after the chilling murders that shocked America, Lyle and Erik Menendez remain two of the most talked-about figures in true crime history. The brothers, who were convicted in 1996 for the murders of their wealthy parents, José and Mary Louise “Kitty” Menendez, are now in their 50s—and their lives behind bars are evolving in surprising ways.
As of 2025, a new legal development could offer the brothers a second chance at freedom. Here’s everything you need to know about where the Menendez brothers now, what life is like for them in prison, and what their future may hold.
Where Are the Menendez Brothers Today?
After their conviction, Lyle and Erik were separated for more than 20 years. Lyle was housed at Mule Creek State Prison in Northern California, while Erik was held at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility near San Diego.
That changed in 2018, when Lyle was transferred to Donovan. Initially, they were placed in different housing units, but in April 2018, they were finally reunited in the same unit. According to journalist Robert Rand, who has closely followed the case, the emotional moment they saw each other for the first time since 1996 brought both brothers to tears.
They now live in Echo Yard, a specialized “non-designated programming facility” at Donovan. This housing unit is known for providing rehabilitative programs and greater inmate freedom compared to more restrictive prison environments.
What Is Life Like Behind Bars for the Menendez Brothers?
Life inside prison hasn’t been easy, but both Lyle and Erik have adapted over the years. They follow strict routines and participate in self-improvement programs. Echo Yard offers classes in art, yoga, anger management, and academic subjects, helping inmates focus on rehabilitation rather than just punishment.
According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Lyle has never committed any serious rule violations during his incarceration. Erik has had two, but nothing recent. Erik once told People magazine, “There is a perpetual state of fear that exists as background noise. You always have to be aware of who is around you.”
While danger is a reality in any prison, the brothers have maintained relatively clean records, which speaks to their ability to adapt and stay out of trouble.
Relationships and Personal Lives in Prison
Even behind bars, both Menendez brothers have found love.
Erik Menendez married Tammi Saccoman in 1999. She had watched his trial and began writing to him afterward. Their connection grew through letters and in-person visits. Tammi later published a memoir titled They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life with Erik Menendez, detailing their relationship.
Lyle Menendez married Rebecca Sneed in 2003, inside the maximum-security visiting area of Mule Creek State Prison. This was Lyle’s second marriage; his first to former model Anna Eriksson ended in divorce.
Although California allows conjugal visits (known officially as family visits), prisoners serving life without parole and those convicted of violent crimes against family members remain ineligible—a policy that includes Lyle and Erik.
Still, Lyle says his marriage is built on deep emotional connection. “We’ve had to find creative ways to communicate, share, and grow,” he told ABC News.
Personal Growth and Interests While Incarcerated
Both brothers have used their time to pursue personal development and community involvement.
Erik has become interested in spirituality and meditation, often leading religious classes and counseling other inmates. He also volunteers with terminally ill prisoners, offering them comfort during their final days.
In addition, Erik paints and has contributed to plans for a mural on the concrete walls of Echo Yard, alongside Lyle.
Lyle, on the other hand, has shown a strong interest in prison reform. While at Mule Creek, he served in inmate government for over 15 years. Both brothers have also spoken out about childhood sexual abuse, drawing from their own testimonies during their trial.
Communication with the Outside World
Thanks to improvements in California’s prison system, the Menendez brothers can now stay in touch with loved ones more easily.
As of 2023, prison phone calls are free, and inmates have access to secure tablets for messaging, reading news, and receiving approved emails. However, these tablets do not allow social media or web browsing.
Both brothers are classified as Group A inmates, meaning they’re eligible for the maximum number of calls and visits. This has made it easier for them to maintain relationships with family, friends, and supporters.
Legal Updates and Resentencing Efforts
After years of failed appeals, the tide may finally be turning in the Menendez case.
In May 2023, attorneys for the brothers filed a petition asking the court to either vacate their convictions or grant them a new evidentiary hearing. The request included two critical pieces of new evidence:
A letter Erik wrote in 1989 to a cousin, describing ongoing sexual abuse by his father.
A statement from Roy Rosselló, a former member of the boy band Menudo, alleging that José Menendez sexually assaulted him while working at RCA Records.
This petition stalled in the courts for over a year. Then, in October 2024, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón held a press conference recommending that Lyle and Erik be resentenced to life with the possibility of parole.
“I believe they have paid their debt to society,” Gascón said.
A judge is now expected to rule on this recommendation. If granted, the brothers would go before a parole board, which would decide if they are eligible for release after more than 30 years behind bars.
The Menendez Brothers in Popular Culture
The public fascination with the Menendez brothers hasn’t faded. In fact, interest has grown in recent years, especially with the release of Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.
Earlier dramatizations include:
Menendez: Blood Brothers (Lifetime)
Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders (NBC)
Truth and Lies: The Menendez Brothers (ABC documentary)
Their first trial, aired on CourtTV, is still widely watched online, and many younger viewers are discovering their case for the first time.
Could the Menendez Brothers Be Released Soon?
While freedom once seemed impossible, 2025 could mark a major turning point. A judge’s decision in the coming months could open the door for parole—and potentially, a second chance at life outside prison.
Still, Lyle and Erik are cautious. “We’ve seen too many friends get their hopes up with appeal filings… only to be turned down,” Lyle told journalist Robert Rand. “We try to stay grounded.”
Whether or not they’re released, their story raises deep questions about justice, trauma, and rehabilitation.
Final Thoughts
The Menendez brothers’ story remains one of the most haunting and complex in American criminal history. Now in their mid-50s, they’ve spent more of their lives in prison than outside of it. But with new evidence and changing attitudes toward trauma and justice, 2025 may finally bring them a glimmer of hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Menendez brothers still alive?
Yes. As of 2025, both Lyle and Erik Menendez are alive and incarcerated at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California.
Where are the Menendez brothers now?
They are housed together in Echo Yard, a rehabilitative unit within the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility.
Have the Menendez brothers admitted guilt?
While they admitted to the killings, they have always maintained that they acted out of fear due to years of alleged sexual abuse by their father.
Are the Menendez brothers eligible for parole?
Not yet, but a recommendation for resentencing by the Los Angeles DA could soon make them eligible for parole consideration.
Did Netflix make a show about them?
Yes, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is part of Netflix’s true-crime anthology series.
Whether you believe in their guilt or see them as victims of a violent family dynamic, one thing is certain: Their story isn’t over yet.