Tags: Menendez brothers, Terry Baralt, Los Angeles County DA, graphic crime scene photos, Marsy’s Law, courtroom trauma
Family Blames Prosecutors for Medical Emergency
The Menendez family is speaking out after Terry Baralt, the aunt of Erik and Lyle Menendez, was hospitalized in critical condition following what they describe as a traumatic courtroom experience. Baralt, 85, was reportedly found unresponsive at her home in New Jersey shortly after prosecutors in Los Angeles displayed graphic crime scene photos during a recent hearing.
Baralt is the sister of José Menendez, who was killed along with his wife Kitty in 1989—a crime for which his sons were convicted. According to the family, the images shown in court included José’s lifeless body and were presented without prior notice, leaving Baralt and other family members deeply distressed.
Family Outraged by Lack of Warning
In a public statement, the Menendez family criticized the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, led by Nathan Hochman, for what they called a lack of humanity.
“No one prepared us. There was no warning, no humanity—just shock and pain inflicted on people who have already endured decades of grief,” the statement read.
The family alleges that the display was not only retraumatizing but also deliberate, calling it part of a pattern of disrespect from the DA’s office. They claim Hochman has treated them with “aggression and disdain” and vowed to hold him accountable.
“Terry may not recover from what was done to her—and to all of us—in that courtroom,” the family said. “We deserve better.”
Baralt Recently Spoke Out in Support of Resentencing
Baralt had recently appeared in her first television interview supporting the brothers’ efforts for resentencing.
“It was a crazy time for those kids… They have paid 35 years in prison. Believe me, you pay,” she told ABC’s Matt Gutman.
Legal Team Cites Victims’ Rights Law
The Menendez family attorney, Bryan Freedman, accused the prosecution of violating Marsy’s Law, which mandates that victims and their families be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect during legal proceedings.
DA Responds With Apology and Clarification
In response, the District Attorney’s Office released a statement expressing regret over the lack of warning regarding the graphic evidence.
“We never intend to cause distress or pain to individuals who attend a court hearing,” the statement read. “To the extent that the photographic depiction of this conduct upset any of the Menendez family members… we apologize for not giving prior warning.”
The office emphasized that such hearings are intended to fully present the truth, no matter how difficult, and urged anyone attending future proceedings to be prepared for emotionally intense content.
Resentencing Hearings to Continue
Despite the incident, the resentencing hearings for Erik and Lyle Menendez are scheduled to proceed later this week.
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