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Menendez Brothers’ Aunt Hospitalized Following Court Hearing
Terry Baralt, the 85-year-old aunt of Erik and Lyle Menendez, has been hospitalized after a court hearing where prosecutors displayed graphic crime scene images related to the notorious case involving the brothers’ parents’ murders in 1989.
The Menendez family has expressed outrage at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for what they describe as a “cruel” display in court, leading them to consider formal action to have District Attorney Nathan Hochman removed from the case.
PHOTO: Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez sit in Beverly Hills Municipal Court as their attorneys postponed making pleas on behalf of the brothers suspected in their parents’ deaths on March 12, 1990. (Nick Ut/AP)
Currently serving life sentences without the possibility of parole, Erik and Lyle Menendez have spent 35 years in prison for the killings of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. Over twenty family members are advocating for their release, asserting that the brothers endured severe abuse, accepted responsibility for their actions, and have contributed positively during their time in custody.
Baralt, who is the sister of Jose Menendez and is battling colon cancer, made the journey from New Jersey to Los Angeles to support her nephews. However, during the hearing, she was unexpectedly exposed to disturbing images, including that of her deceased brother, which family members believe was too much for her to bear.
The family stated, “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.”
PHOTO: Erik and Lyle Menendez’s aunt, Terry Baralt, requires hospitalization following the shocking courtroom visuals, as confirmed by family sources. (ABC News)
MORE: Menendez brothers’ resentencing hearing to move forward after judge denies DA’s motion
Baralt was reported to be unresponsive on Sunday morning and subsequently hospitalized in critical condition, prompting her family to voice their despair.
“We are devastated,” the family said, expressing concern that Baralt may not recover from the trauma experienced in the courtroom. “If the DA’s office had shown even a modicum of consideration for us as victims, we would not be fearing for one more day with Terry right now.”
The family claims that the graphic presentation was a violation of Marsy’s Law, which guarantees victims the right to fair treatment and protection from trauma during legal proceedings.
Bryan Freedman, attorney for the Menendez family, emphasized the importance of a sensitive approach in the judicial process, stating, “Being tough on crime is important, but not creating fear and trauma among family members.”
In response to the uproar, the DA’s office issued an apology for failing to provide prior notice, asserting there was no intention to cause distress. The office defended its actions by stating, “These hearings are meant to reveal the truth, no matter how painful.” They noted that similar graphic imagery had been used in a recent documentary without objection from the family.
The family has previously requested Hochman’s removal from the case, describing his approach as “hostile” and “re-traumatizing.”
MORE: Menendez brothers timeline: From the 1989 murders to their new fight for freedom
“[The prosecutors] have demonstrated they are ill-equipped to manage this process with the necessary fairness and care,” the family further stated.
The hearing, lasting several hours, dealt with Hochman’s motion to withdraw the brothers’ resentencing petition, which was initially filed under former DA George Gascón. Hochman, who succeeded Gascón in the November election, contends that the Menendez brothers have not taken full accountability for their actions and labeled their claims of self-defense as a series of “lies.”
The presiding judge dismissed Hochman’s motion, allowing the brothers’ resentencing hearing to move forward as scheduled on April 17 and 18, edging them closer to the possibility of freedom.
ABC News reported contributions from correspondents Matt Gutman and Lisa Sivertsen.
Menendez brothers’ aunt hospitalized after DA shares graphic photos in court: ‘We are devastated’ originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
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