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Investigation moves to Salinas as details emerge in death and torture case

The two people suspected of killing the children whose bodies were found in a Northern California storage locker will be tried on the Central Coast. Investigators believe the abuse that led to these deaths took place in Salinas. 

The Monterey County District Attorney and Salinas Police Chief say the case against 39-year-old Tami Huntsman and her 17-year-old companion is extremely complicated with multiple jurisdictions and relationships involved. 

The main investigation is now centered in Salinas where police say the woman and children had been living until recently.

On Sunday, police in Salinas were notified that the bodies of a 3-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy were found in a plastic storage container in Redding.

Last week, Huntsman and the 17-year-old boy were arrested in Plumas County on felony child abuse and torture charges related to a nine-year-old girl who is still being treated for her injuries.

Investigators on Sunday night connected the Plumas County arrests with the Salinas home and Redding bodies. Salinas Police Chief Kelly McMillin says officers went to the home twice within the past six months to follow up on anonymous reports of child abuse but said they found no obvious signs of a problem.

The two deceased children, as well as the 9-year-old are characterized as nieces and nephews of Huntsman, as investigators currently understand the relationships.

Huntsman also has biological children who were no longer living with her. Investigators are working to interview as many people connected to the situation as possible.