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The Menendez family is demanding Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman be removed from the brothers’ resentencing case after his office showed graphic crime scene photos during Friday’s hearing, sending their 85-year-old aunt to the hospital.
Terry Baralt, sister of the slain Jose Menendez, traveled from New Jersey to support her nephews, Lyle and Erik. According to the family, the unexpected display of gruesome images, including photos of Jose Menendez’s body, led to Baralt being found unresponsive Sunday morning. She remains hospitalized in critical condition.
“No physical pain has ever kept her from being there for her nephews,” the family said in a statement, adding, “But the display put on by the DA’s office pushed her past the brink.” The family believes the presentation violated Marsy’s Law, which guarantees victims’ rights, including the right to be treated with fairness and respect.
Family attorney Bryan Freedman emphasized the need to balance toughness on crime with sensitivity towards victims’ families. “Being tough on crime is important, it’s good,” Freedman said. “But that’s tough on crime — not creating fear and pain and trauma in family members.”
The DA’s office issued an apology for not providing prior warning about the graphic content, stating they “never intend to cause distress or pain.” However, they defended the presentation, arguing such hearings are designed to reveal the truth, “no matter how painful.”
They also pointed out that similar images were recently shown in a Netflix documentary without objection. The office cautioned future attendees to be prepared for difficult details and images.
This incident follows the family’s initial request last month for Hochman’s removal, citing “hostile,” “patronizing,” and “re-traumatizing” behavior. They reiterated this demand on Sunday, stating, “[The prosecutors] have shown again and again that they are incapable of handling this process with the fairness, care, or neutrality required by law.”
Friday’s hearing focused on Hochman’s motion to withdraw the brothers’ resentencing petition, originally filed under former DA George Gascón. Hochman, who defeated Gascón in November, opposes the brothers’ release, questioning their claims of self-defense and accusing them of lying. The judge denied Hochman’s motion, paving the way for the resentencing hearing scheduled for April 17 and 18.