If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or watched that Netflix series, you’ve probably wondered what happened after the cameras stopped rolling. Honestly, the story didn't end with the credits. Erik and Lyle Menendez are still very much in the middle of a legal tug-of-law that feels like it’s been going on for a century.
So, where are erik and lyle menendez actually living today?
As of January 2026, both brothers are incarcerated at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. They aren't just in the same prison; they are in the same housing unit. For over 20 years, they were kept hundreds of miles apart, which sounds like an extra layer of punishment. Lyle was up at Mule Creek, and Erik was in San Diego. That changed in 2018 when they finally reunited.
Witnesses say they burst into tears the moment they saw each other.
The Current Situation at Richard J. Donovan
They aren't in some dark, medieval dungeon. They live in what the California Department of Corrections calls a "non-designated programming facility." Basically, it’s Echo Yard.
Echo Yard is a bit different from the high-security blocks you see in movies. It's focused on rehabilitation. Inmates there have more freedom to move around, participate in art classes, and even do yoga. It’s meant for guys who have stayed out of trouble for a long time.
What their daily life looks like:
- The Mural Project: Erik has spent a massive amount of time painting a mural on the concrete walls of the yard. It’s a way to make a grey space look like a park.
- Education: Both brothers have earned bachelor's degrees from UC Irvine while behind bars. Lyle actually graduated in 2024 and started looking into a master's degree in urban planning.
- The "GreenSpace" Initiative: Lyle started a program to beautify prison environments. He’s obsessed with the idea that the physical environment changes how people behave.
But don't get it twisted—it’s still prison. They stand for formal counts multiple times a day. They live in dorm-style rooms with other men. At 9 p.m., the doors lock.
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Why Aren't They Out Yet?
You might have heard about the resentencing. It was huge news in May 2025. A judge actually changed their sentence from "Life Without Parole" to "50 Years to Life."
That sounds like a win, right? On paper, yes. It made them immediately eligible for parole under California’s Youthful Offender law. This law basically says if you were under 26 when you committed a crime, the state has to give you a chance to show you’ve changed.
But the parole board is a tough crowd.
In August 2025, both Erik and Lyle were denied parole.
It was a gut punch for their supporters. The board acknowledged they had done a lot of good, but they got hung up on "rule violations." Specifically, cellphones.
The "Contraband" Phone Controversy
It sounds minor to us. We all have phones. But in prison, a cellphone is a major "no-no."
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Erik admitted to the board that he used a smuggled phone to talk to his wife, Tammi, and watch YouTube. He told the commissioners that his connection to the outside world was worth the risk of getting caught. The board didn't agree. They called it "selfish" and a sign that he still thinks the rules don't apply to him.
Lyle had similar issues. He claimed he used a private phone because prison staff were reportedly selling his recorded calls to tabloids.
Because of these infractions, the board gave them a three-year denial. This means they won't even get another shot at a parole hearing until 2028.
The Political Reality: Newsom and Hochman
There’s a lot of drama in the DA's office too. George Gascón, the guy who originally pushed for their release, lost his job. The new DA, Nathan Hochman, has a much colder view of the case.
Hochman has publicly stated that the brothers haven't "fully accepted responsibility." He’s not a fan of the self-defense narrative.
Then there’s Governor Gavin Newsom. He has the power to grant clemency (which is basically a "get out of jail" card). But Newsom has been playing it safe. He said he’d wait for the legal process to play out. With the parole board saying "no" in late 2025, the pressure on Newsom to step in has reached a boiling point.
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Relationships and Family Support
One thing that hasn't changed is their family’s stance. Almost the entire extended Menendez family—aunts, cousins, everyone—wants them home. They argue that 35 years is enough.
Lyle’s personal life took a hit recently, though. In late 2024, his wife Rebecca Sneed announced they were separating after decades of marriage. They’re still friends, apparently, but that’s a huge support system to lose while you’re fighting for your life.
Erik is still married to Tammi Saccoman. She’s been his rock since the 90s.
What Happens Next?
If you're looking for a "happily ever after" today, you won't find it. They are still in San Diego. They are still wearing blue scrubs.
The next big hurdles are:
- Clemency Petitions: Their lawyers are still begging Governor Newsom to sign a commutation.
- The 2028 Parole Hearing: Unless something radical happens, they are stuck until their next board appearance.
- Habeas Corpus Motions: There are still ongoing attempts to get a brand-new trial based on the evidence from Roy Rosselló (the Menudo member who alleged José Menendez also abused him).
Actionable Steps to Stay Updated
If you want to follow the case without the "true crime" fluff, here’s what to do:
- Monitor the CDCR Inmate Locator: You can search for Erik Galen Menendez or Joseph Lyle Menendez to see their current facility status.
- Follow the "Justice for Erik and Lyle" Coalition: This is the group run by their family members; they usually post the most direct updates on legal filings.
- Check the LA County DA’s Press Room: Since the office changed hands to Nathan Hochman, their official statements will tell you if the prosecution’s stance is softening or hardening.
The reality of where are erik and lyle menendez today is a mix of high-art murals in a prison yard and a frustrating wait for a governor's signature that might never come. They are no longer the "men in suits" from the 90s television screens. They are middle-aged men trying to convince a state that they are more than the worst thing they ever did.
To get the most accurate picture of their current status, verify any "breaking news" against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) public records, as tabloid rumors regarding their release dates are frequently inaccurate.