Brade
LOS ANGELES – The family of LYLE and ERIK MENENDEZ is demanding accountability after their elderly aunt, TERRY BARALT, was hospitalized following a court hearing where prosecutors displayed graphic crime scene images. BARALT, 85, is reportedly in intensive care after attending the hearing in Los Angeles to support her nephews.
The Justice for ERIK and LYLE Coalition, a family-led advocacy group, condemned the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for what they called a “disturbing and reckless decision” that pushed BARALT to the brink. “We are devastated to share that TERRY BARALT has been hospitalized and is in critical condition following the DA’s cruel and careless conduct in court,” a family statement read.
BARALT, the sister of the brothers’ late father JOSE MENENDEZ, is battling colon cancer but traveled from New Jersey to attend the hearing. The family claims she was exposed to graphic images, including her brother’s body, without warning. “No one prepared us. There was no warning, no humanity – just shock and pain,” the statement continued.
The family spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that BARALT remains in critical condition. They also accused the DA’s office of violating California’s Marsy’s Law, which guarantees victims’ rights to privacy and dignity. “This wasn’t just cruel. It was a clear violation of our rights,” the family wrote. “We are holding them fully responsible for the profound pain we are suffering.”
Los Angeles District Attorney NATHAN HOCHMAN’s office issued a statement expressing regret for the distress caused. “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. Hochman’s office emphasized that the hearings are designed to uncover the truth, however painful.
The hearing also saw a significant development as LA County Superior Court Judge MICHAEL JESIC declined to withdraw the brothers’ petition for a new trial. Resentencing proceedings are set to continue on April 17 and 18.
LYLE and ERIK MENENDEZ, convicted in 1996 for the murder of their parents, JOSE and KITTY MENENDEZ, have long claimed their father sexually abused them, a narrative they’ve reiterated in recent documentaries and social media posts. District Attorney HOCHMAN has indicated he would consider resentencing if the brothers fully admit to their criminal activity and lies about the case.
The brothers are scheduled to appear before the state parole board on June 13 as part of a risk assessment ordered by California Governor GAVIN NEWSOM, who is also considering their clemency request.
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Contributors: Michael Ruiz and Audrey Conklin, Fox News Digital.
