ROSEVILLE, Calif. — The parents accused of killing their 9-year-old adoptive son pleaded not guilty in Roseville Friday.
Kimberly Blakley and her husband Cory Blakley are facing murder and torture charges along with a count of child endangerment for each of their seven children ages 6 to 13. Two of them are the Blakleys' biological children and the other five, including the 9-year-old, are adopted.
They both appeared and entered not-guilty pleas. The couple will remain in custody without bail.
Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire said he will prosecute the case himself because of his past experience.
Cyrus Blakley was identified by his adoptive grandparents, Timothy and Ramona Blakley, as the child who died. The other six children are in protective custody.
A celebration of life for Cyrus Blakley is scheduled for Wednesday, March 6, his adoptive grandparents Timothy and Ramona Blakley said in a statement Friday. Find more information HERE.
“It is the kindness and love of this amazing community that is allowing us to cope and remain clearly focused on the welfare of Cyrus’s sweet siblings," Timothy and Ramona Blakley said in a statement.
Case History
First responders were called to the home on New England Drive in Roseville Feb. 2 for medical aid, according to the Roseville Police Department.
Upon arrival, officers found an unresponsive 9-year-old boy. He was taken to UC Davis Medical Center where he was pronounced dead Feb. 5.
Court documents reveal the Blakley’s are accused of torturing the child, Kimberly is also facing special allegations for the child being comatose due to brain injury suffering paralysis.
The couple is also facing misdemeanor cruelty to a child charge for each of their kids. The Placer County District Attorney's office says those charges are for separate instances of abuse.
The couple is being charged together, but Cory Blakley has retained his own attorney. Kimberly has been assigned a public defender.
Watch more on ABC10 | Roseville parents accused of killing adopted 9-year-old son: 'It's heartbreaking'