OCHO RIOS, St Ann — The woman and her common-law husband who have been charged under the Child Care and Protection Act following the gruesome murder of three-year-old Nevalesia Campbell, were denied bail when they appeared in the St Ann Parish Court yesterday.

The couple — Mahalia Poyser, 24, and Roy Downs, 30 — are scheduled to return to court on July 29.

The two were charged after police received reports that Nevalesia and her twin brother were left alone at home when she was abducted and murdered.

Peter McHugh, the attorney who represented both accused, said the prosecution was not opposed to bail. However, bail was denied due to the safety of the two, especially the mother. The matter was heard in-camera before Judge Andrea Thomas.

At the same time, the man who was charged with the child’s murder is expected to make his court appearance soon, said Superintendent Wayne Cameron. He, however, could not give a date for the court appearance.