What The Menendez Brothers' Life In Prison Is Really Like

Similar to his brother, Erik Menendez was also in touch with a woman during the trial, which began in 1993. The relationship was platonic at first, with Tammi Saccoman initially reaching out through letters because of the sympathy she felt for Erik as she watched his story unfold on television. At the time, she was also married and the mother of two daughters.

Tammi supported Erik through a difficult time, and he returned the favor in 1996 when Tammi had her own horrific experiences. First, she discovered her husband had been sexually abusing her teenage daughter (a child Tammi had from another relationship) for three years. Her husband confessed his crimes to the authorities before taking his own life. Tammi reached out to Erik, who comforted her through his letters, she told People.

In an interview with People, Tammi admitted she was extremely nervous to meet Erik in person, but that instantly faded. She said, “When he walked into the room, he was so full of life, he hopped down the stairs. It was like I was meeting an old friend.” By 1999, the two became so serious that they tied the knot at Folsom State Prison. When describing their marriage years later, Erik said, “Tammi’s love has propelled me to become a better person. I want to be the greatest possible husband to her. And this affects the choices I make every day in prison” (via People).