Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — The trial for a Deming couple accused of abusing their children and forcing them to live in underground tunnels has been canceled. Prosecutors say Melvin and Valerie Cordell were scheduled to go on trial Wednesday on numerous child abuse and sex crime charges. According to court documents, the couple allegedly made their children live in manmade tunnels on their property for years and subjected them to physical and sexual abuse. The district attorney says the judge canceled the trial without explanation. Court records also show the couple has been released from custody.
