Menendez brothers' aunt hospitalized after DA shares graphic photos in court: 'There was no warning'
Share and Follow


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, according to a spokesperson for the family.

The Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition, a family-led initiative advocating for the release of the brothers, is calling for immediate accountability and oversight following a “disturbing and reckless decision” by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office during Friday’s court hearing that sent Terry Baralt, 85, to the hospital.

“We are devastated to share that Terry Baralt has been hospitalized and is in critical condition following the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office’s cruel and careless conduct in court,” a statement from the family read. “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 Jose Menendez’s sister, is battling colon cancer, but traveled from her home in New Jersey to Los Angeles to support her nephews at their hearing, where the family said she was forced to witness graphic images, including her brother’s body.

If the judge decides to resentence the Menendez brothers, it will then be up to the state parole board to consider their release.   

They are already scheduled to appear before the board on June 13 as part of a comprehensive risk assessment report ordered by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is considering the brothers’ clemency request – a separate potential path out of prison.

Fox News Digital’s Michael Ruiz and Audrey Conklin contributed to this report. 

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
REAL reason the Beckhams hate 'childlike' Nicola Peltz

Unveiling Tensions: Why the Beckhams Reportedly Disapprove of ‘Childlike’ Nicola Peltz

Brooklyn Beckham has officially severed ties with his family, a move he…
South Shore immigration raid in Chicago under new investigation by Illinois Department of Human Rights

Illinois Department of Human Rights Launches Investigation into South Shore Immigration Raid in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — Authorities have launched a fresh probe into a contentious…
Gruesome secret trove of Idaho murder pictures leak

Leaked Images Reveal Disturbing Details of Idaho Murder Case

The chilling traces of a brutal crime scene are etched into the…
Harry Styles, using pseudonym, runs Berlin Marathon in under 3 hours

Harry Styles Unveils 2026 ‘Together Together’ World Tour Dates: A Global Musical Journey

WASHINGTON — Harry Styles has unveiled the schedule for his upcoming “Together…
Good Samaritan stops Florida maniac attacking child with knife at school bus stop after jail release: police

Heroic Bystander Intervenes to Prevent Knife Attack on Child at Florida Bus Stop Following Suspect’s Jail Release: Police Report

In a disturbing incident at a school bus stop in Florida, a…
Jacksonville mother seeks answers one year after daughter drowned following crash

Jacksonville Mother Continues Search for Truth One Year After Daughter’s Tragic Drowning Post-Crash

The family of Jareesha Wilkerson continues to search for clarity about her…
Minneapolis ICE shooting: Independent autopsy of Renee Good released by Romanucci & Blandin, law firm in civil investigation

Independent Autopsy Report for Renee Good Released Amid Minneapolis ICE Shooting Investigation by Romanucci & Blandin Law Firm

MINNEAPOLIS — On Wednesday evening, the family of Renee Good received the…
This image released by Warner Bros Pictures shows Michael B. Jordan, foreground from left, Michael B. Jordan and Omar Benson Miller in a scene from

Will ‘Sinners’ Break Oscar Records? Find Out as Nominations Are Announced Today!

Traditionally, horror films have been overlooked by the Oscars, but this year…