Family Shares Update on Menendez’s Health Struggles in Prison
Erik Menendez, one of the two brothers convicted in the 1989 murders of their parents, is recovering from a second surgery related to severe kidney stone complications, according to updates from his wife and stepdaughter. The 54-year-old is currently incarcerated in a San Diego prison and is expected to undergo a third surgery in the near future, just weeks ahead of his crucial parole board hearing scheduled for August 20 and 21.
Talia Menendez, Erik’s stepdaughter, shared a candid update via Instagram on July 23, revealing that both of Erik’s kidneys had been affected by large kidney stones, necessitating another round of surgery. “Today Erik had his second surgery due to complications with both kidneys having multiple large stones,” she wrote in her Instagram Story. “He is currently in pain and feeling nauseous, but is recovering.”
Talia also noted the difficulty of receiving timely medical treatment while in prison, adding, “Because Erik is in prison, there are often complications and delays with medical care, so this continues to be a very stressful time for us as you all can imagine.”
Surgery Comes Weeks Before High-Stakes Parole Hearing
Erik’s wife, Tammi Menendez, echoed those sentiments on social media, stating that he was in recovery but still experiencing pain and nausea. The updates came shortly after attorney Mark Geragos disclosed on July 22 that Erik had been hospitalized due to a “serious medical condition.”
Erik and his older brother, Lyle Menendez, 57, were originally sentenced to life in prison for the shotgun killings of their wealthy parents, José and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home. However, in May 2024, a judge resentenced them to 50 years to life, making both men immediately eligible for parole based on their age at the time of the crime and other legal considerations.
During the resentencing hearing on May 13, both brothers expressed deep remorse. Erik described the murders as “cruel and vicious,” admitting that his actions were “criminal, selfish, cruel and cowardly.”
The Menendez brothers have long claimed they acted in self-defense after enduring years of alleged abuse by their father — a claim that has received renewed attention and support from figures like Kim Kardashian and other advocates of prison reform. Prosecutors, however, maintain that the motive was financial gain.
Their upcoming parole hearing could determine whether the brothers, now in their mid-50s, will be released after more than three decades behind bars.
BACKGROUND
Erik Menendez, along with his older brother Lyle, is known for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in Beverly Hills. The brothers were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. The case became a media sensation, with the prosecution arguing the brothers killed for financial gain and the defense claiming they acted in self-defense due to years of sexual abuse.
