A judge has decided to wait on whether to try the Miami couple accused of beating their adoptive daughter together or separately, it was ruled Wednesday.
Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Sarah Zabel deferred a defendant's motion to hold two separate trials against Carmen and Jorge Barahona, until it gets closer to the trial date.
The Barahonas are accused of torturing and beating 10-year-old twins Nubia and Victor Barahona at their home. In February, Nubia's decomposed body was found covered in chemicals and stuffed in a bag in the bed of Jorge Barahona's truck on the side of I-95 in Palm Beach County. Victor was found badly beaten nearby.
Carmen and Jorge Barahona have both pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges.
The motion was filed as prosecutors decide whether to use statements allegedly made by the Barahonas against each other, though prosecutors said Tuesday they were leaning towards not using the statements at trial.
Victor's guardian ad litem attorney said two trials will further traumatize Victor, who lives in Texas with relatives.
Victor could also testify in the attempted murder case against Jorge Barahona in Palm Beach County.
Photos were also released on Wednesday, showing the twins during a birthday party, Nubia playing with another girl, playing in a house, dressed up in costumes and other events. Jorge and Carmen Barahona are also in some photos.
Previously, the state attorney's office had released photos of the crime scene and the Barahona home, including a bathtub where prosecutors say the twins were bound at their hands and feet and held for months as they were beaten and starved.
