MENENDEZ BROTHERS’ AUNT HOSPITALIZED AFTER GRAPHIC COURT DISPLAY; FAMILY DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY

The elderly aunt of LYLE and ERIK MENENDEZ is in intensive care after prosecutors displayed graphic crime scene images during the brothers’ court hearing on Friday, according to a family spokesperson. TERRY BARALT, 85, the sister of the late JOSÉ MENENDEZ, was hospitalized following the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office’s decision to show unredacted images of her brother’s body without prior warning.

The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition, a family-led initiative advocating for the brothers’ release, condemned the DA’s actions as “cruel and careless.” In a statement, the family expressed devastation over the incident, stating, “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, who is battling colon cancer, traveled from New Jersey to Los Angeles to support her nephews at the hearing.

The family accused the DA’s Office of violating California’s Marsy’s Law, which guarantees victims the right to privacy, dignity, and protection from harassment. “This wasn’t just cruel. It was a clear violation of our rights,” the statement read. “The display was retraumatizing, completely avoidable, and we believe it was intentional.”

Los Angeles District Attorney NATHAN HOCHMAN issued an apology, stating, “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.” Hochman’s office emphasized that the hearing was intended to reveal the truth about the “heinous double murders,” regardless of the emotional toll.

The hearing marked a pivotal moment in the Menendez brothers’ long-standing legal battle. LA County Superior Court Judge MICHAEL JESIC ruled against withdrawing their petition for a new trial, allowing resentencing proceedings to continue on April 17 and 18. The brothers, convicted in 1996 for the murders of their parents, JOSÉ and KITTY MENENDEZ, have since claimed they were victims of childhood sexual abuse, a narrative not presented during their original trials.

Hochman has indicated that he would consider resentencing if the brothers “sincerely and unequivocally admit, for the first time in over 30 years, the full range of their criminal activity and all the lies that they have told about it.” The brothers are also scheduled to appear before the state parole board on June 13 as part of a clemency request ordered by California Governor GAVIN NEWSOM.

The case continues to draw national attention as the Menendez family seeks justice and accountability for what they describe as a traumatic and avoidable incident.

**Sources:**
[Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)
[ABC News](https://www.abcnews.com)