Arraignment postponed for couple accused of murdering 2 kids, storing bodies in locker

SALINAS, Calif. (KTVU) - A couple accused of murdering two small children, and discarding their bodies in a storage locker, made their first court appearance in Salinas Friday.

Tami Huntsman and Gonzalo Curiel were supposed to be arraigned, but that was postponed when the proceedings took some unusual turns.

Huntsman and Curiel are accused of killing 6-year-old Shaun Tara, and 3-year-old Delyla Tara after an extended period of abuse, then putting their bodies in a storage locker in Redding.

The defendants are also accused of starving and beating a 9-year-old child who was found in a locked vehicle in Quincy.

On Friday, the proceedings moved to Salinas, where authorities believe the abuse occurred.

What would normally have taken just a few minutes, ended up becoming much more complicated.

First a defense motion to ban the media was heard. The judge then asked each journalist to stand up and argue his or her right to be there. Ultimately cameras were allowed, prompting both Huntsman and Curiel to shield their faces.

When the proceeding finally began, a question about a potential conflict with the public defender's office meant the whole arraignment would be continued on another day.

"I can't comment on any potential conflicts at this time. Ethically I'm not allowed to comment," says Jared Jefferson, a public defender.

The defense asked for two more weeks, in case the Alternate Public Defender’s office needs to find Huntsman and Curiel lawyers.

"We're going to let the proceedings take place and it's still a very early stage in the proceedings. I just ask that everyone keep an open mind in this case," says Jefferson.

The defendants continue to be held without bail. The next court date is set for January 20th.