Elderly aunt of Menendez brothers hospitalized after DA shares graphic images
An elderly aunt of Lyle and Erik Menendez is in intensive care after prosecutors showed graphic crime scene images during the brothers’ hearing on Friday, causing her to be hospitalized. The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition, a family-led initiative advocating for the release of the brothers, is demanding immediate accountability and oversight in response to the “disturbing and reckless decision” made by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office during the court hearing.
Terry Baralt, 85, who is Jose Menendez’s sister, traveled from her home in New Jersey to Los Angeles to support her nephews at their hearing. However, she was forced to witness graphic images, including her brother’s body, which led to her hospitalization. Baralt, who is battling colon cancer, remains in critical condition at a Los Angeles hospital.
The Menendez family has called for the removal of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office from the case, stating that the use of the graphic photo violated California’s Marsy’s Law, which guarantees victims the right to be treated with fairness and respect for their privacy and dignity throughout the criminal justice process.
The family spokesperson shared that the display of the graphic images was retraumatizing and intentional, causing profound pain to the family. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office issued an apology, stating that they did not intend to cause distress or pain to those in attendance at the hearing.
The Menendez brothers have been pushing for a resentencing hearing, claiming that they were unfairly convicted to life in prison for the murders of their parents in 1989. Both Lyle and Erik Menendez have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse by their father, offering a different narrative of the killings than the one presented during their original trial in the 1990s.
The district attorney has expressed willingness to reconsider resentencing the brothers if they admit to their criminal activity and lies related to the case. If resentencing is granted, the state parole board will then consider their release. Governor Gavin Newsom is also considering their clemency request, providing another potential path out of prison.
The Menendez brothers are scheduled to appear before the state parole board on June 13 for a comprehensive risk assessment report ordered by Governor Newsom. The family continues to advocate for justice and fair treatment in their pursuit of freedom for Lyle and Erik Menendez.
