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

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 and Follow
You May Also Like
X is DOWN: Elon Musk's social media platform crashes for thousands

X Experiences Widespread Outage: Elon Musk’s Social Media Platform Faces Disruptions for Thousands

For millions who rely on it daily, X—formerly known as Twitter—has unexpectedly…
Carl McCain wins Mega Millions drawing, but money was kept for debt he didn't owe after someone used his social security number

Identity Theft Nightmare: Carl McCain’s Mega Millions Win Seized for False Debt

TIMBERLAKE, N.C. — A North Carolina resident found himself in a surprising…
Hands-free driving bills have been filed in Florida. Here's what to know

Florida Moves Towards Safer Roads: New Hands-Free Driving Legislation Introduced

Efforts are underway to toughen Florida’s laws against texting and driving. TAMPA,…
Nepo baby 'offended' by blind date with 'grandpa' George Clooney

Celebrity Offspring Reportedly Unhappy with Blind Date Pairing with George Clooney

Sara Foster, a self-proclaimed “nepo baby” and daughter of renowned music composer…
Iran's ethnic minorities could hold key to regime's fate as protests continue

Ethnic Minorities in Iran: The Pivotal Force Shaping the Future Amid Ongoing Protests

Although the anti-government protests in Iran seemed to have slowed by Friday,…
Chicago Bulls star player Derrick Rose joins 'Windy City Weekend' to talk new flower shop, jersey retirement

Derrick Rose Blooms with New Flower Shop and Reflects on Jersey Retirement on ‘Windy City Weekend

CHICAGO — Chicago’s own Derrick Rose, the celebrated 2011 NBA MVP from…
Ohio dentist and wife killed: Michael McKee, vascular surgeon of Chicago, indicted in Ohio murders of Spencer and Monique Tepe

Chicago Vascular Surgeon Michael McKee Indicted in Ohio Murders of Dentist Spencer Tepe and Wife Monique

A Chicago-based surgeon has been formally charged in connection with the double…
Feds in Minneapolis immigration operation can’t detain or tear gas peaceful protesters, judge rules

Judge Blocks Feds from Detaining or Using Tear Gas on Peaceful Protesters in Minneapolis Immigration Operation

A federal judge in Minnesota has ruled that immigration enforcement officers in…