Adrian
LOS ANGELES – The elderly aunt of LYLE and ERIK MENENDEZ, TERRY BARALT, has been hospitalized in critical condition after prosecutors displayed graphic crime scene images during the brothers’ court hearing on Friday, according to a family spokesperson. The shocking incident has sparked outcry from the Justice for ERIK and LYLE Coalition, a family-led advocacy group seeking the brothers’ release.
“We are devastated to share that TERRY BARALT has been hospitalized and is in critical condition following the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office’s cruel and careless conduct in court,” a family statement read. “No physical pain has ever kept her from being there for her nephews. But the display put on by the DA’s office pushed her past the brink.”
BARALT, 85, who is battling colon cancer, traveled from her home in New Jersey to Los Angeles to support her nephews during the hearing. The family revealed she was unexpectedly subjected to unredacted, graphic images, including the body of her late brother, JOSE MENENDEZ, who was murdered alongside his wife, KITTY MENENDEZ, in 1989.
“Without notice, prosecutors chose to show a graphic, unredacted image of José’s dead body directly in front of us, his surviving family,” the statement continued. “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 family spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that BARALT remains in critical condition at a Los Angeles hospital. The Menendez family has called for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to be removed from the case, alleging that the graphic display violated California’s Marsy’s Law, which protects victims’ rights to dignity and privacy.
“This wasn’t just cruel. It was a clear violation of our rights,” the family said. “The display was retraumatizing, completely avoidable, and we believe it was intentional. The District Attorney’s Office knew what the law required and deliberately chose to ignore it.”
In response, Los Angeles District Attorney NATHAN HOCHMAN’s office issued a statement to Fox News Digital, apologizing for the distress caused but defending the necessity of presenting the evidence.
“To the extent that the photographic depiction of this conduct upset any of the Menendez family members present in court, we apologize for not giving prior warning,” the statement read. “These hearings are intended to be a place where the truth, no matter how painful, is brought to light.”
The hearing, which reignited emotions surrounding the notorious case, saw a partial victory for the Menendez brothers as Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge MICHAEL JESIC ruled against withdrawing their petition for a new trial. Resentencing proceedings are set to continue on April 17 and 18.
HOCHMAN had previously indicated that he would consider resentencing if the brothers admitted to the full scope of their criminal actions and acknowledged past lies. The Menendez brothers, convicted in 1996 for the murder of their parents, have since claimed in documentaries and on social media that they were sexually abused by their father, a narrative they argue justifies a reconsideration of their life sentences.
California Governor GAVIN NEWSOM has scheduled a parole board hearing for June 13 as part of a broader clemency review. The outcome could pave the way for the brothers’ potential release.
For ongoing updates on the case, follow the Fox True Crime Team on X.
