This article was originally published by Ruth Brown in the Idaho Statesman.
The Meridian couple accused of murder in the death of a 9-year-old boy appeared in court Thursday regarding the potential of visiting their other children.
Fourth District Judge Cheri Copsey presided over Monique Osuna and Erik Osuna’s case and sided with the prosecution on the request for a no-contact order. The Osunas will be barred from visiting their other three children for one year, or until the charges are dismissed or a district judge rules otherwise.
Monique Osuna, 27, is charged on suspicion of first-degree murder in the death of her stepson, Emrik. Erik Osuna, 29, is also charged on suspicion of first-degree murder and with concealing evidence in his son’s death.
The Osunas were arrested after Meridian Police responded to their apartment, where paramedics were trying to resuscitate the 9-year-old. Three other children, ages 9, 4 and an infant, were in the home at the time. It was not immediately clear which of the children are Monique Osuna’s and which are Erik’s, or whether they had any of the children.
Prosecutors allege that Emrik Osuna was malnourished and repeatedly beaten, locked in a closet and tortured in the months leading up to his death.
In court Thursday, attorneys said there is an ongoing child protection case involving the surviving children and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Child protection proceedings are not made public in Idaho and are not subject to public records requests.
Both Monique and Erik Osuna remain in custody at the Ada County Jail. Their next court date is set for 8:30 a.m. Dec. 9.
If convicted, they both face life in prison or the death penalty.
