Menendez Family Files Complaint Against District Attorney For Displaying Graphic Crime Scene Photos

Kitty and José Menendez’s family submitted a petition and request to the Los Angeles District Attorney‘s Office, insisting they follow Marsy’s Law, due to the office’s unanticipated presentation of disturbing crime scene images during the April 11 court proceeding.

Under the California Victims’ Rights Act, often referred to as Marsy’s Law, victims of crimes are entitled to be treated with “fairness, respect for their privacy and dignity, and protection from intimidation, harassment, and abuse” throughout the legal process. The family contends that photos presented by the District Attorney triggered past trauma and resulted in Terry Baralt, Jose Menendez’s sister, being hospitalized due to extreme emotional distress upon viewing them.

We never thought that we’d find ourselves battling for basic respect and decency,” stated the Menendez family. However, last Friday took us all by surprise once more. The District Attorney’s Office unexpectedly showed us disturbing images of our deceased relatives’ bodies. We received no prior notice, no empathy, no human touch. Our family was not only shocked by the graphic imagery but also when Terry was hospitalized immediately afterward. She is still in critical care at this moment.

The motion argues that the photos were unnecessarily shown and exhibited excessively, with no legal reason other than to provoke strong feelings for dramatic effect. The family is asking the court to penalize the District Attorney’s office and demand prior notice if these types of displays are planned for any future hearings.

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2025-04-16 05:46