YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Several family members of as many as 13 children who were allegedly abused by two former Child Care Development employees at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma staged their support on Wednesday for the victims, as the suspects were back in court.
Inside one of the Yuma County Superior Court rooms, the first row was filled with T-shirts reading "It Shouldn't Hurt to be a Child."
Those in support looked on as 28-year-old Valerie McKinstry stood in front of Judge David Haws for the second time after being criminally charged with multiple counts of child abuse.
28-year-old Katherine McCombs appeared telephonically, residing in California.
McKinstry is charged with 13 counts of child & vulnerable abuse and McCombs is charged with seven counts of the same crime--all class four felonies.
In court Wednesday, the state said it is currently working on a plea offer but it was noted by the prosecutor and defense attorney's that the case will need additional time to sort through the countless hours of surveillance footage from inside the Child Development Center at MCAS.
It was also pointed out that there may be a change in judges in the future. The judge currently working the case, David Haws, has a familiarity with McCombs and stated there would be a conflict of interest.
This is something that will be worked out over the next 60 days before their next hearing.
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, but News 11 is currently working through the police report and will continue to follow-up on any developments.
McKinstry and McCombs are not in custody but have been issued a no-contact order with any of the victims involved.
The defendants will appear back in court in June.
