Huntsman, Curiel to face Monterey County judge Friday

About 36 hours after the Salinas couple accused of killing two children and torturing another arrived back in Monterey County, they’ll face a judge for their arraignment.

NewsChannel 5 cameras were rolling when a transport van with extra security brought Tami Huntsman into the Monterey County Jail Wednesday night. Since Gonzalo Curiel is a minor, he’s being held at the Monterey County Juvenile Hall.

Jail staff are taking extra precautions. Murder suspects are already placed in separate cells away from others, but this case has gained a lot of attention locally and nationally.

“We generally, almost always will separate anyone accused of homicide and put them in a single cell by themselves,” Monterey County Commander John Thornburg said. “Coupled that in this case with the fact that she’s charged with the homicide of two children, raises the concern for her safety from everybody else.”

But that’s as far as it goes; Huntsman will be treated like everyone else.

Her and Gonzalo’s arraignment is scheduled for Friday, January 8 at 1:30 p.m. at the Monterey County Courthouse.

“The case is now solely within the jurisdiction of the Monterey County District Attorney, our office, and we will be pursuing the prosecution of both individuals,” Monterey County District Attorney Dean Flippo said.

In the meantime, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is asking the community, which may be outraged, to let the court system run it’s course.

“People hear about what happens, what happened, what they think happened, what the alleged crime is, and they don’t like it,” Thornburng said. “I understand that. Nobody needs to try to take anything in their own hands during this, the time they are in custody.”