Erik and Tammi Getty Images/Mega Erik Menéndez's prison life sentence didn't stop him from finding love with wife Tammi Menéndez. Erik and his brother, Lyle Menéndez, were arrested in 1990 on two counts of first-degree murder after their parents - José and Kitty - were found shot to death in their home in August 1989. Two trials resulted in Erik and Lyle being sentenced to life without parole. Both have maintained that their mother and father were physically, emotionally and sexually abusive. After the trial, Erik's sexual orientation became a topic of conversation. "No [I am not gay].