Local News

Hearing For Parents of Dead Siblings Continued

Posted Updated

SMITHFIELD — The Johnston County parents facing child abuse charges in connection with the deaths of their three teenagers will have to wait for their day in court.

Thursday morning, the judge in the case said he had to be replaced because he had heard another juvenile case involving the family.

Kent and Nissa Warren's three teenagers were found shot to death in the family's home in an apparent murder-suicide.

The couple face charges of child abuse and having a rifle within reach of their children.

Investigators say that when they discovered the bodies of the teens, their parent's home was filthy with farm animals roaming inside.

"To me they appear to be doing very well. They are grief-stricken, they are very upset about what has happened as any parent would be," says Jonathan Breeden, attorney for Nissa Warren.

The Warrens had been charged with child abuse before in Arizona; Kent Warren pleaded guilty and Neesa Warren received probation.

The couple would not comment when they left the courthouse. A new trial date has been set for Sept. 27.

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.