Child abuse case against former MCAS employees continued to later this summer
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The child abuse case involving two former Child Development Center employees at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma has been continued for two more months.
A State Prosecutor explained to the court Wednesday morning that more time is needed before the case can resume because there is still a "huge volume" and countless hours of video evidence yet to be sorted through.
The state noting that they are also willing to assist the defense in going through that evidence, if needed.
28-year-old Valerie McKinstry, facing 13 counts of child abuse, is out of custody and appeared in-person in court.
Her next hearing is scheduled for August 3rd. Meanwhile, her defense attorney also requested a Conditions of Release hearing for her to leave the state, which will take place next week.
The second suspect, 28-year-old Katherine McCombs, will appear Thursday morning after being assigned to a different judge. It was noted in the last hearing in April that the previous judge had a familiarity with McCombs and stated there would be a conflict of interest.
McCombs is charged with seven counts of the same crime as McKinstry.
Both defendants, who worked with children at the Child Development Center (CDC) at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma (MCAS), have been accused of imposing known physical harm and intentional danger to multiple children.
According to the official police report obtained by News 11, the number of victims allegedly abused is at least 13.
MCAS learned of the alleged abuse back in late February 2021. After reviewing surveillance camera footage inside the Child Development Center, MCAS then notified the Yuma Police Department which then led to the arrests of the suspects and a full investigation.
A long-form complaint was then officially filed in December 2021.
MCAS is providing no comment at this time as criminal proceedings unfold.
