Menendez family demands removal of LA County DA after aunt's hospitalization

In a recent court hearing in Southern California regarding the resentencing of Lyle and Erik Menendez, the family of the brothers expressed distress after their aunt, Terry Baralt, was hospitalized. The family alleges that the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, led by Nathan Hochman, displayed a graphic crime scene photo during the hearing without prior warning, leading to significant emotional distress for family members present. Terry Baralt, 85 years old and currently battling cancer, is reported to be in critical condition after witnessing the images. Her hospitalization was viewed by the Menendez family as a direct consequence of what they described as the District Attorney's cruel and careless conduct in court. The Menendez family issued a statement describing how the display of the graphic photo was retraumatizing and emotionally damaging for those present, stating that it reignited grief that had persisted for decades. They accused the DA’s office of failing to uphold the principles of fairness and respect dictated by the law, emphasizing that their forgiveness towards the brothers for their actions does not erase the pain the family has endured since the murders. This incident added to an ongoing pattern that they believe demonstrates the DA's inability to handle the sensitive nature of the case fairly. As a result, they are demanding that the District Attorney’s Office be removed from prosecuting the case altogether, arguing that it has shown disrespect towards the family throughout the proceedings. Responding to the backlash, the District Attorney's Office acknowledged the emotional nature of the evidence presented but insisted that the hearings aimed to reveal the truth behind the heinous double murder committed by the Menendez brothers against their parents, Jos Menendez and Kitty Menendez, in 1989. They conveyed an apology for any distress caused, emphasizing that the portrayal of conduct in court had been previously discussed in public domains without objection. Despite the families' efforts to contest these actions, a hearing was set to continue as part of their resentencing process, which could potentially lead to the brothers being eligible for parole after serving more than three decades in prison. The Menendez brothers, who admit to the murders but argue they were abused and acted in self-defense, continue to fight their lifetime sentences.