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
Gurnee pedestrian killed: Javier Contreras-Bulnes charged months after Amber Knowles hit, killed by truck on Delany Road: Police

Tragic Gurnee Incident: Javier Contreras-Bulnes Charged Months After Fatal Delany Road Accident Involving Amber Knowles

GURNEE, Ill. (WLS) — In a significant development, charges have been filed…
Rachel Ward speaks out after viciously trolled for no make-up selfie

Rachel Ward Defies Online Trolls: Embraces Natural Beauty with Empowering No-Makeup Selfie

Rachel Ward, the enchanting English actress known for her role in the…
Renee Good was shot four times, including in the head, fire report shows

Fire Report Reveals Renee Good Sustained Multiple Gunshot Wounds, Including Head Injury

Renee Nicole Good, who was tragically shot and killed by a U.S.…
Hair growth treatments recall due to a lack of child-proof packaging

Urgent Recall: Hair Growth Treatments Pulled from Shelves Over Child Safety Concerns

WASHINGTON — A nationwide recall has been issued for certain hair growth…
Timothy Busfield’s attorneys say an investigation undermines state’s child sex abuse charges

Investigation Challenges State’s Child Sex Abuse Allegations Against Timothy Busfield, Attorneys Claim

Attorneys for Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield presented arguments in court on…
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…
Fury as NFL releases all-Spanish teaser for Bad Bunny's halftime show

Outrage Ignites as NFL Drops All-Spanish Teaser for Bad Bunny’s Halftime Spectacle

Football enthusiasts have expressed their discontent following the NFL’s unveiling of a…
NFL playoffs: Resurgent Chicago Bears collide with Los Angeles Rams in divisional round matchup featuring high-powered offenses

NFL Playoffs: Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams Set for High-Stakes Divisional Clash with Dynamic Offenses

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Ben Johnson has devoted extensive time to analyzing…