Phoenix couple pleads not guilty in abuse case
Jun 20, 2012, 1:37 PM | Updated: 1:38 pm
PHOENIX — A Phoenix couple has pleaded not guilty to charges that they
abused and tortured a mentally disabled man who later died.
Maricopa County prosecutors said Carlena Pinkerton, 27, and Joshua Pinkerton, 31, entered their pleas Wednesday. Their next scheduled court date
is Aug. 7.
The married couple was arrested June 4 in the death of James Roy
Moore, 22, who authorities said is Carlena Pinkerton’s brother.
Phoenix police said the Pinkertons left Moore at Phoenix Indian Hospital on June
1 and he died at the facility later that day.
Authorities said Moore had multiple fractures and a collapsed lung and was
suffering from malnutrition and dehydration.
Investigators claim Moore was kept for long periods in a room 2-foot-by-4-foot containing only a water heater and a drain in the Pinkerton home.