By USA Daily Now 
An elderly aunt of LYLE and ERIK MENENDEZ was hospitalized in critical condition after prosecutors displayed unredacted crime scene images during the brothers’ resentencing hearing on Friday, according to a family spokesperson. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from the JUSTICE FOR ERIK AND LYLE COALITION, a family-led initiative advocating for the brothers’ release.
TERRY BARALT, 85, the sister of the brothers’ late father JOSÉ MENENDEZ, was reportedly pushed to the brink after prosecutors unexpectedly showed graphic images, including her brother’s body, without prior warning. Baralt, who is battling colon cancer, traveled from New Jersey to Los Angeles to support her nephews at the hearing.
“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,” read a statement from the Menendez family. “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.”
The family accused the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office of violating California’s Marsy’s Law, which guarantees victims the right to be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity. “This wasn’t just cruel. It was a clear violation of our rights,” the family wrote. “The display was retraumatizing, completely avoidable, and we believe it was intentional.”
In response, the office of Los Angeles District Attorney NATHAN HOCHMAN issued a statement expressing regret for the distress caused. “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,” the statement read. Prosecutors emphasized that the hearings are intended to bring the truth to light, no matter how painful.
The hearing marked a pivotal moment in the long-standing case, as Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge MICHAEL JESIC ruled against withdrawing the brothers’ petition for a new trial. Resentencing proceedings are scheduled to continue on April 17 and 18.
LYLE and ERIK MENENDEZ were convicted in 1996 for the murder of their parents, JOSÉ and KITTY MENENDEZ, in their Beverly Hills home in 1989. The brothers have since claimed they were sexually abused by their father, offering a revised narrative of the events. Their case has garnered significant attention, with documentaries and social media campaigns reigniting public interest.
Prosecutors have challenged the brothers’ version of events, accusing them of perpetuating lies about their parents and the case. “The truth starts with the abject brutality and premeditation of the murders themselves,” Hochman’s office stated.
The Menendez brothers are scheduled to appear before California’s parole board on June 13 as part of a comprehensive risk assessment ordered by Governor GAVIN NEWSOM, who is considering their clemency request. If resentencing is approved, the parole board will determine their eligibility for release.
The case continues to captivate audiences, with debates over whether the brothers are victims of abuse or perpetrators of greed-fueled violence. As the legal battle unfolds, the family’s demand for justice and accountability remains at the forefront.
Sources: [Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com), [ABC News](https://abcnews.go.com)