NM - Parents forced 8 children to live in "underground caves"; starved and sexually abused them - Deming, 2014-2024

[Niner]

Melvin
Register of Actions Activity
Event Date Event Description Event Result Party Type Party # Amount
07/28/2025 ORD: PRETRIAL HEARING SCHEDULED
Order for Jury Trial and Pre-Trial Conference and Trial Procedure (5 pages)

07/14/2025 COURT MINUTE/PROCEEDINGS
hrg held on 7/7/25 court monitor log notes attached (2pgs)


Valerie:
Register of Actions Activity
Event Date Event Description Event Result Party Type Party # Amount
07/28/2025 ORD: PRETRIAL HEARING SCHEDULED
Order for Jury Trial and Pre-Trial Conference and Trial Procedure (5 pages)


for both:
Hearings for this Case
Hearing Date Hearing Time Hearing Type Hearing Judge Court Court Room
10/13/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

09/22/2026 1:15 PM Pretrial Conference/Docket Call DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

05/11/2026 1:15 PM Status Hearing/ Conference DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

11/10/2025 1:15 PM Pretrial Conference/Plea Hearing/Docket Call DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

09/08/2025 1:15 PM Pretrial Conference/Plea Hearing/Docket Call DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court


link: Stale Session

 

[Niner]

for both - just a docket update plus trial dates were added to court site:

Register of Actions Activity
Event Date Event Description Event Result Party Type Party # Amount
09/10/2025 COURT MINUTE/PROCEEDINGS
hrg held on 9/8/25

Hearings for this Case
Hearing Date Hearing Time Hearing Type Hearing Judge Court Court Room
10/30/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/29/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/28/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/27/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/26/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/23/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/22/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/21/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/20/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/19/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/16/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/15/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/14/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/13/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

09/22/2026 1:15 PM Pretrial Conference/Docket Call DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

05/11/2026 1:15 PM Status Hearing/ Conference DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

11/10/2025 9:00 AM-Valerie Pretrial Conference/Plea Hearing/Docket Call DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
11/10/2025 1:15 PM-Melvin Pretrial Conference/Plea Hearing/Docket Call DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

link: Home - New Mexico Courts

 

[sunspun]

How did this horrible situation come to light in the first place? Did the oldest daughter run away and tell authorities what was going on? How far were they from town? Did the parents live anywhere else in a home anywhere? Or were these "caves" their only home?

 

[Chelly]

How did this horrible situation come to light in the first place? Did the oldest daughter run away and tell authorities what was going on? How far were they from town? Did the parents live anywhere else in a home anywhere? Or were these "caves" their only home?

The two were arrested on Feb. 21, 2025, following a lengthy investigation that began in October 2024, when the 16-year-old reported the alleged abuse while attending the New Mexico National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy, local station KRQE reports.


The Roswell Police Department and New Mexico State Police began investigating the alleged horrors the teen told them she had endured and the “deplorable” conditions in which she and her siblings have been forced to live, the district attorney said in the release.

'Underground Caves' and Alleged Incestuous Abuse: Inside the Disturbing Case Rocking a N.M. Town

'Underground Caves' and Alleged Incestuous Abuse: Inside the Disturbing Case Rocking a N.M. Town

people.com

 

[Niner]

Monday, Nov. 10th:
*Pretrial Conference/Motions Hearing/Plea Hearing (@ 9am [for Valerie] & @ 1:15pm [for Melvin] MT) - NM – 8 children (ages 6 mos. to 16 years old) abused by their parents from 2014 to 2024 in Deming. *Melvin W. Cordell (50) arrested & charged (4/3/25) & arraigned (5/5/25) with 2 counts of criminal sexual penetration in the 1st degree (Great bodily harm/great mental anguish), 1 count of criminal sexual contact of minor 2nd degree (person in position of authority)(unclothed), 1 count of conspiracy to commit abuse of a child (no death or GBH) 1st offense (intentional or recklessly), 16 counts of abuse of a child (does not result in death or great bodily harm), 2 counts of aggravated battery (great bodily harm) & 2 counts of tampering with evidence (highest crime a third, fourth or indeterminate degree Felony). Plead not guilty (5/5/25). Deming County
*Valerie Cordell (41) arrested & charged (4/3/25) & arraigned (4/28/25) with 1 count of criminal sexual penetration in the 1st degree (great bodily harm/great mental anguish), 16 counts of abuse of a child (does not result in death or great bodily harm) & 1 count of conspiracy to commit abuse of a child (no death or GBH) 1st offense (intentional or recklessly). Deming County
Trial is set to begin on 10/13/26 (thru 10/30/26).
Judge Jennifer E. DeLaney presiding. Prosecutor Cynthia Harkwell Clark & defense attorney Stephen L. Sievers Valerie & Attorney Mario A.R. Carreon for Melvin.
Case & court info from 4/3/25 thru 6/11/25 reference post #20 here:
https://websleuths.com/threads/nm-p...sexually-abused-them-deming-2014-2024.742387/
7/11/25 Update: Valerie: Hearing held on 7/7/25. Court monitor log notes attached. Court minutes/proceedings. Next pretrial conference/Plea hearing/Docket call on 9/8/25 @ 9am. And adding pretrial/plea hearings on 11/10/25, 5/11/25, 9/22/26 all at 1:15pm & trial set to begin on 10/13/26 @ 9am.
7/14/25 Docket update: Melvin: Court minutes/proceedings hearing held on 7/7/25 court monitor log notes. 7/28/25 Docket update: Melvin & Valerie: Order for jury trial & pretrial conference & Trial procedure. Next for both pretrial/plea hearing & motions hearing on 11/10/25 Valerie @ 9am & Melvin @ 1:15pm, status hearing on 5/11/26 & pretrial conference hearing on 9/22/26 @ 1:15pm & trial will begin on 10/13/26.

 

[Niner]

for Melvin:
Hearings for this Case
Hearing Date Hearing Time Hearing Type Hearing Judge Court Court Room
10/30/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/29/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/28/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/27/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/26/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/23/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/22/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/21/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/20/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/19/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/16/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/15/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/14/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/13/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

09/22/2026 1:15 PM Pretrial Conference/Docket Call DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

05/11/2026 1:15 PM Status Hearing/ Conference DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

11/10/2025 1:15 PM Pretrial Conference/Plea Hearing/Docket Call DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

Register of Actions Activity
Event Date Event Description Event Result Party Type Party # Amount
11/10/2025 COURT MINUTE/PROCEEDINGS
Hearing Held 11/10/25. (1pg)



for Valerie
Hearings for this Case
Hearing Date Hearing Time Hearing Type Hearing Judge Court Court Room
10/30/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/29/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/28/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/27/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/26/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/23/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/22/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/21/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/20/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/19/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/16/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/15/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/14/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
10/13/2026 9:00 AM Jury Trial DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

09/22/2026 1:15 PM Pretrial Conference/Docket Call DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

05/11/2026 1:15 PM Status Hearing/ Conference DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

12/01/2025 9:00 AM Motion Hearing DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
12/01/2025 9:00 AM Pretrial Conference/Plea Hearing/Docket Call DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

11/10/2025 9:00 AM Motion Hearing DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
11/10/2025 9:00 AM Pretrial Conference/Plea Hearing/Docket Call DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

Register of Actions Activity
Event Date Event Description Event Result Party Type Party # Amount
11/05/2025 NTC: HEARING (CHANGE OF PLEA) P 1
Amended Notice of Plea Conference on 12/01/2025 at 9:00 am (1 Page)
11/05/2025 ORD: OF CONTINUANCE P 1
of the hearing on 11/10/2025 (1pg)
11/05/2025 MTN: FOR CONTINUANCE D 1
For the hearing on 11/10/2025 (pg 2)

11/03/2025 NTC: HEARING (MOTION) P 1
Notice of Hearing: Motion for new attorney (1pg)
11/03/2025 MTN: MOTION D 1
for new attorney (3 Pages)


link: Home - New Mexico Courts

 

[Niner]

Monday, December 1st:
*Pretrial Conference/Motions Hearing/Plea Hearing [Valerie only] (@ 9am MT) - NM – 8 children (ages 6 mos. to 16 years old) abused by their parents from 2014 to 2024 in Deming. *Melvin W. Cordell (50) arrested & charged (4/3/25) & arraigned (5/5/25) with 2 counts of criminal sexual penetration in the 1st degree (Great bodily harm/great mental anguish), 1 count of criminal sexual contact of minor 2nd degree (person in position of authority)(unclothed), 1 count of conspiracy to commit abuse of a child (no death or GBH) 1st offense (intentional or recklessly), 16 counts of abuse of a child (does not result in death or great bodily harm), 2 counts of aggravated battery (great bodily harm) & 2 counts of tampering with evidence (highest crime a third, fourth or indeterminate degree Felony). Plead not guilty (5/5/25). Deming County
*Valerie Cordell (41) arrested & charged (4/3/25) & arraigned (4/28/25) with 1 count of criminal sexual penetration in the 1st degree (great bodily harm/great mental anguish), 16 counts of abuse of a child (does not result in death or great bodily harm) & 1 count of conspiracy to commit abuse of a child (no death or GBH) 1st offense (intentional or recklessly). Deming County
Trial is set to begin on 10/13/26 (thru 10/30/26).
Judge Jennifer E. DeLaney presiding. Prosecutor Cynthia Harkwell Clark & defense attorney Stephen L. Sievers Valerie & Attorney Mario A.R. Carreon for Melvin.
Case & court info from 4/3/25 thru 7/14/25 reference post #50 here:
https://websleuths.com/threads/nm-p...ly-abused-them-deming-2014-2024.742387/page-2
7/28/25 Docket update: Melvin & Valerie: Order for jury trial & pretrial conference & Trial procedure. Next for both pretrial/plea hearing & motions hearing on 11/10/25 Valerie @ 9am & Melvin @ 1:15pm, status hearing on 5/11/26 & pretrial conference hearing on 9/22/26 @ 1:15pm & trial will begin on 10/13/26.
11/3/25 Docket updates: Valerie: Motion for new attorney filed. Notice of hearing on motion for new attorney. 11/5/25 Docket updates: Motion for continuance of hearing on 11/10/25. Amended notice of plea conference hearing on 12/1/25 @ 9am & a motions & pretrial conference hearing also. Melvin: Court minutes, hearing held. Next status hearing on 5/11/26 @ 1:15pm.

 

[Niner]

Valerie:

Register of Actions Activity
Event Date Event Description Event Result Party Type Party # Amount
11/26/2025 ORD: OF CONTINUANCE D 1
The hearing for 12/01/2025 has been rescheduled to 12/22/2025 @ 9:30 AM (1pg)

11/26/2025 MTN: FOR CONTINUANCE D 1
of the hearing on 12/01/2025 (2 Pages)


[just posting thru May of next year]
Date Time Hearing Type Hearing Judge Court Court Room
05/11/2026 1:15 PM Status Hearing/ Conference DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

12/22/2025 9:30 AM Motion Hearing DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court
12/22/2025 9:30 AM Pretrial Conference/Plea Hearing/Docket Call DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

12/01/2025 9:00 AM Pretrial Conference/Plea Hearing/Docket Call DeLaney, Jennifer E. DEMING DISTRICT COURT Luna County District Court

link: Stale Session