Hearing in Joshua Tree child abuse case delayed
The parents accused of child abuse by living in a makeshift shelter in Joshua Tree were back in court Wednesday morning. Before the hearing, supporters of Daniel Panico and Mona Kirk were outside protesting the couple’s prosecution.
Cars are honking by the Joshua Tree courthouse, as supporters of the couple made their presence known with signs in hand asking prosecutors to drop their case.
“You guys need to release this family,” Jackie Klear, a family friend said. “Let this go. They have done nothing wrong. The kids are not child abused.”
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Kirk and Panico are facing charges of child abuse after their three children were found living in a plywood box late February. Supporters of the couple argue there was no abuse, and the living conditions was due to them being extremely poor. The couple was eventually released from jail at their own recognizance. Panico had this to say to reporters before walking into the courthouse.
“Who wouldn’t feel great going to trial for three counts, felony counts of child abuse,” he said. “We’re hoping they’ll drop all charges in there.”
Inside the courtroom, the couple’s pre preliminary hearing was delayed for another week as the prosecution needed more time for discovery and some of their witnesses weren’t available for an appearance.
Supporters have helped the couple get a home and said the charges need to be dropped, because the case is interfering with giving them help they need.
“It’s really frustrating,” Klear said. “It’s hindering all progress with this family right now. They are moved into this house so that is a big plus, but we have 30 days to clean up their land and these court dates and visits with the children being so far away is just making things really hard.”
Supporters say all the couple wants is their family reunited.
“If they can just drop this case, because these are not bad people, then we can move forward with family,” Klear said.
Both Kirk and Panico are expected to be back in court on May 2. Their preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for May 3.
