Terry Baralt, Erik and Lyle Menendez's aunt, hospitalized in critical condition; family blames LA County DA after graphic photos
Share this @internewscast.com

LOS ANGELES — The Menendez family says the aunt of Erik and Lyle Menendez is in the hospital after prosecutors showed graphic photos of the crime scene in court.

The family says 85-year-old Terry Baralt, the sister of José Menendez, was found unresponsive last night. She is now in a New Jersey hospital in critical condition, according to a family statement.

The family blames Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman’s office for her hospitalization. They say Baralt was distraught after prosecutors showed graphic photos of José Menendez’s lifeless body without warning last week in court.

A statement from the Menendez Family reads in part:

“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 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.”

“The level of disrespect was staggering. But it’s part of a disturbing pattern we’ve come to expect, especially from DA Hochman, who has repeatedly spoken to us with aggression and disdain and we will be holding him accountable.”

“Our family is hurting. Terry may not recover from what was done to her – and to all of us – in that courtroom. We deserve better. We firmly believe that if the DA’s office had shown even an ounce of consideration for us, as victims, we would not be hoping for one more day with Terry right now.”

Baralt recently spoke in support of the brothers’ re-sentencing effort in her first television interview. ABC’s Matt Gutman sat down exclusively with the family before Friday’s hearing.

“It was a crazy time for those kids, and what they did was done, but they’re sorry now, but people have to believe that they are sorry…They have paid 35 years in prison, believe me, you pay,” Baralt said.

The family’s attorney Bryan Freedman accuses prosecutors of violating Marsy’s Law, which requires empathy toward victims.

The L.A. District Attorney’s Office released a statement late Sunday afternoon that read in part:

“We never intend to cause distress or pain to individuals who attend a court hearing. We understand the nature of the evidence of these heinous double murders was deeply emotional. However, by design, these hearings are intended to be a place where the truth, no matter how painful, is brought to light. That truth starts with the abject brutality and premeditation of the murders themselves.”

“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 that the conduct would be described in detail not only in words but also through a crime scene photo.”

“We remain committed to ensuring future proceedings move forward with the dignity, respect and transparency this case deserves. We caution anyone attending a hearing in person to be prepared for some of the difficult details and images surrounding these tragic circumstances.”

The brothers’ resentencing hearing will proceed Thursday and Friday.

Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Immigrant rights group calls for removing pregnant women from detention

Advocacy Group Urges Release of Expectant Mothers from Detention Facilities

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Pregnant women detained by U.S. immigration authorities…
National Guard Chicago news: Judge to consider extension of order temporarily blocking National Guard in Chicago area

Judge to Decide Fate of National Guard Deployment in Chicago: Temporary Block Extension Under Review

The unfolding story in Chicago has taken a significant turn, as a…
NYC mayoral candidates clash bitterly during final debate

Final NYC Mayoral Debate Sparks Heated Exchanges Among Candidates

NEW YORK (AP) — During the heated final debate in New York…
Shelters offer free adoptions at Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival this weekend

Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival: Free Adoptions This Weekend to Find Forever Homes for Pets

The Jacksonville Humane Society and Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) are…
The 22-day government shutdown is now the second-longest in US history

Historic Standoff: Unpacking the 22-Day Government Shutdown and Its Impact

The longest government shutdown on record spanned 35 days during the first…
Massie Faces Trump-Backed Primary Challenge Kentucky Race

Massie vs. Trump: High-Stakes Showdown in Kentucky’s Pivotal Primary Race

Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie is preparing for a fierce primary battle…
Alaska pilot seeks SCOTUS relief in case in which three beer cases led to forfeiture of $95k plane

Alaska Pilot Appeals to Supreme Court Over $95K Plane Forfeiture Stemming from Three Beer Cases

An 82-year-old bush pilot from Alaska is taking his legal battle to…
Former New York state trooper sentenced to 6 months in prison after faking his own shooting: 'disgraceful'

Ex-New York Trooper Jailed for Six Months Over Fake Shooting Incident: Described as ‘Disgraceful

A former New York state trooper received a six-month jail sentence on…
The Louvre reopens 3 days after one of the biggest museum heists of the century

Louvre Reopens After Daring Heist: Uncovering the Century’s Boldest Art Theft

The Louvre has once again opened its doors to visitors after a…
Hunter Biden Reveals Profane Rage, Near Threat Toward Obama After Infamous Moment on Stage With His Dad

Explosive Revelation: Hunter Biden’s Fiery Outburst and Tension with Obama Exposed

Hunter Biden doesn’t hold Barack Obama in high regard. Tension between their…
Chicago teacher accused of mocking Charlie Kirk’s assassination portrayed as victim by school principal

Chicago Educator Allegedly Mocks Charlie Kirk Assassination, School Principal Defends Her Actions

The principal of a Chicago elementary school appeared to frame a controversial…
Opening statements Wednesday in trial of ex-Illinois officer who killed Sonya Massey

Opening Statements to Begin Wednesday in Trial of Former Illinois Officer Accused of Killing Sonya Massey

In Springfield, Illinois, the courtroom is set to be the scene of…