ANOTHER BRIEF COURT APPEARANCE FOR JOSHUA TREE COUPLE ACCUSED OF CHILD CRUELTY

The Joshua Tree couple who were arrested in February after they and their three children were found living in a wooden structure on their property, were in court Wednesday morning (4/25/18). Reporter Andrew Dieleman was there and files this report…

Several protesters gathered outside the Joshua Tree court house in support of Daniel Panico, 73, and Mona Kirk, 51, the Joshua Tree couple facing charges of child cruelty. On February 28, they, their three children, and some 35 cats were discovered living in what were described as filthy conditions in a plywood structure in Joshua Tree. Protesters waved signs that read “Homelessness Is Not a Crime” and “Reunite This Family.” The court appearance only lasted some five minutes. The couple arrived to find their case had been rescheduled, their defense attorneys saying that more time was needed to speak with witnesses. The couple will be back in court on May 2.