How did Tami Huntsman get custody of children?

Many people are wondering how Tami Joy Huntsman got custody of the children she’s now suspected of killing.

NewsChannel 5 has found out the mother of three-year-old Delilah, six-year-old Shaun and a nine year old girl died two years ago. The San Bernardino County Coroner says 33-year-old Vivian Saucedo died in a car accident on December 30, 2013. Their father, Shaun Daniel Tara was incarcerated a short time afterwards. It’s believed he is the one who gave up his children to Huntsman.

“An incarcerated parent can leave their children in the care of anyone that they deem fit,” said Elliott Robinson, the director of the Monterey County Social and Employment Services. “There’s no oversight of that placement.”

Our affiliate in Sacramento spoke to the sister of the victims. Precious Aponte says she had been trying to get custody of the children, but was told by Huntsman that they were fine. Aponte said Huntsman stopped returning their calls or letting them see the children.