Coverage dated October 15, 2026

Court explains why trial was canceled for New Mexico couple accused of child abuse

Headline from KRQE Albuquerque

DEMING, N.M. (KRQE) – KRQE News has learned why a judge cancelled the trial for a couple accused of sexually and physically abusing their children. Melvin and Valerie Cordell are accused of making their children, ages 6 months to 16 years old, live outside their Deming property in manmade tunnels fr…

KRQE Albuquerque's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

Reports & sources

2 articles, oldest first.

  1. KRQE Albuquerque

    Trial canceled for New Mexico couple accused of sexually and physically abusing children (opens KRQE Albuquerque)

    Published

    KRQE Albuquerque's feed description

    DEMING, N.M. (KRQE) – The trial for a New Mexico couple accused of physically and sexually abusing their kids and making them live in underground tunnels has been canceled. According to a criminal complaint, Melvin and Valerie Cordell made their children live outside their Deming property in manmade…

  2. KRQE Albuquerque

    Court explains why trial was canceled for New Mexico couple accused of child abuse (opens KRQE Albuquerque)

    Published

    KRQE Albuquerque's feed description

    DEMING, N.M. (KRQE) – KRQE News has learned why a judge cancelled the trial for a couple accused of sexually and physically abusing their children. Melvin and Valerie Cordell are accused of making their children, ages 6 months to 16 years old, live outside their Deming property in manmade tunnels fr…