Erik Menendez Wife Tammi And Kids - Here Is What To Know

Tammi Menendez has been married to Erik for 25 years after meeting through prison letters.
Erik is a devoted father to Tammi’s daughter Talia, who considers him her true father.
The family is outraged by Erik’s recent parole denial, calling it a “setup”.
Talia has become a vocal advocate for her father’s freedom.
The family continues to fight for Erik’s release despite setbacks.

Tammi Menendez has stood by her husband Erik Menendez for over 25 years, maintaining his innocence and advocating for his parole.

Their unique love story, which began through prison letters, has defied all odds and created a family bond that continues to fight for justice. Recently, the family faced disappointment when Erik was denied parole, sparking outrage and renewed determination in their advocacy efforts.

Erik Menendez And Wife Tammi | Image: HELLO!

Tammi Meets Erik Through Prison Letters

Tammi first connected with Erik in 1993 when she wrote him a letter while he was awaiting trial. Though she was married at the time, their correspondence deepened over the years. Tragedy struck when Tammi discovered her then-husband Chuck Saccoman had been abusing her teenage daughter. Chuck turned himself in and died by suicide two days later.

During this devastating period, Erik became a source of comfort for Tammi. Their relationship evolved from written correspondence to visits, and eventually, Tammi relocated to Sacramento to be closer to Erik’s prison.

The couple married in a 1999 ceremony at Folsom Prison, beginning a marriage that would span decades despite being separated by prison walls.

Tammi told People: “I reached out to Erik. He comforted me. Our letters started taking on a more serious tone.”

Building a Family Behind Prison Walls

Though Erik is not Talia’s biological father, he has been her devoted father figure since she was an infant. Tammi and her daughter made tremendous efforts to maintain their family connection, driving 150 miles weekly to visit Erik after his prison transfer.

Despite societal judgment and challenges, Erik embraced his paternal role completely. Talia considers him her true father and has become one of his most vocal advocates.

The family has faced difficulties, including restrictions on Talia’s social interactions due to Erik’s incarceration, but their bond remained unbreakable. Their unusual family dynamic has withstood the test of time and institutional barriers, demonstrating the power of their connection.

Tammi admitted to People: “Every single time a parent would say to me, ‘No, my daughter can’t stay over at your house,’ I would wonder if the underlying reason was Erik. There is always that question in my mind.”

Recent Parole Denial and Family Outrage

In August 2025, Erik was denied parole by the California Board of Parole Hearings, a decision that devastated his family. Parole Commissioner Robert Barton cited prison infractions, including cell phone possession, as contributing factors in the denial.

Tammi immediately expressed her anger on social media, calling the process a “complete setup” and asserting that the commissioner had predetermined the outcome. Talia also shared her frustration online, questioning how her father could be considered a threat to society after decades of good behavior.

The family believes the decision was unjust and continues to maintain that Erik poses no danger to the public.

Tammi wrote on X: “Parole Commissioner Robert Barton had his mind made up to deny Erik parole from the start! This was a complete setup, and Erik never stood a chance! #Injustice.”