The intriguing story of Erik Menendez and his brother Lyle, who are convicted for the brutal murder of their parents, can compete with any crime drama series. But it is the 53-year-old’s romantic life and marriage that has been ringing in people’s ears, with the theme song of “Mama I’m in love with a criminal”.

Erik Menendez and brother Lyle | image: Celano via Reuters (CNN)

According to reports from several outlets, as well as a self-published memoir, They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life with Erik Menendez, it is Tammi Ruth Saccoman who captured public fascination for her romantic association with Erik Menendez. Despite being sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, what could have brought the two close? Well, their unexpected love story is one steeped in tragedy, trauma, and healing.

The Unconventional Bond of Erik Menendez and Tammi Ruth Saccoman...