LOS ANGELES — The Menendez household says the aunt of Erik and Lyle Menendez is within the hospital after prosecutors confirmed graphic images of the crime scene in court docket.
The household says 85-year-old Terry Baralt, the sister of José Menendez, was discovered unresponsive final evening. She is now in a New Jersey hospital in crucial situation, in accordance with a household assertion.
The household blames Los Angeles County District Lawyer Nathan Hochman’s workplace for her hospitalization. They are saying Baralt was distraught after prosecutors confirmed graphic images of José Menendez’s lifeless physique with out warning final week in court docket.
A press release from the Menendez Household reads partly:
“Nobody ready us. There was no warning, no humanity – simply shock and ache inflicted on individuals who have already endured a long time of grief.”
“The show was retraumatizing, fully avoidable, and we imagine it was intentional. The District Lawyer’s Workplace knew what the legislation required and intentionally selected to disregard it.”
“The extent of disrespect was staggering. Nevertheless it’s a part of a disturbing sample we have come to anticipate, particularly from DA Hochman, who has repeatedly spoken to us with aggression and disdain and we can be holding him accountable.”
“Our household is hurting. Terry could not recuperate from what was carried out to her – and to all of us – in that courtroom. We deserve higher. We firmly imagine that if the DA’s workplace had proven even an oz of consideration for us, as victims, we might not be hoping for yet another day with Terry proper now.”
Baralt not too long ago spoke in help of the brothers’ re-sentencing effort in her first tv interview. ABC’s Matt Gutman sat down completely with the household earlier than Friday’s listening to.
“It was a loopy time for these youngsters, and what they did was carried out, however they’re sorry now, however individuals should imagine that they’re sorry…They’ve paid 35 years in jail, imagine me, you pay,” Baralt mentioned.
The household’s legal professional Bryan Freedman accuses prosecutors of violating Marsy’s Regulation, which requires empathy towards victims.
The L.A. District Lawyer’s Workplace launched a press release late Sunday afternoon that learn partly:
“We by no means intend to trigger misery or ache to people who attend a court docket listening to. We perceive the character of the proof of those heinous double murders was deeply emotional. Nonetheless, by design, these hearings are meant to be a spot the place the reality, irrespective of how painful, is dropped at gentle. That reality begins with the abject brutality and premeditation of the murders themselves.”
“To the extent that the photographic depiction of this conduct upset any of the Menendez members of the family current in court docket, we apologize for not giving prior warning that the conduct could be described intimately not solely in phrases but additionally via against the law scene picture.”
“We stay dedicated to making sure future proceedings transfer ahead with the dignity, respect and transparency this case deserves. We warning anybody attending a listening to in individual to be ready for a few of the tough particulars and pictures surrounding these tragic circumstances.”
The brothers’ resentencing listening to will proceed Thursday and Friday.
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