Dependency Hearing for Children of Missing Miramar Mother

Children in disappearance/murder case subject of hearing

The Miramar man charged in the murder of his wife won't be allowed to have contact with his children until the criminal investigation is complete, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Cid Torrez wore handcuffs and a jail outfit to a dependency hearing for his three children, where Judge Hope Bristol handed down the order.

The children will remain in the custody of the childrens' maternal grandparents, Bristol ruled. The next hearing date was set for Dec. 13.

Torrez, 39, was arrested Nov. 21 and charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Vilet, who went missing in late March. He is being held without bond.

In the warrant for his arrest, police say Cid Torrez killed Vilet on March 31. Vilet Torrez's body has never been found despite an extensive, months-long search.

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Richard Della Fera, Cid Torrez's attorney, has maintained his client's innocence and called the timing of the arrest "very suspect."

"There's nothing in my view that would or should prevent contact between father and children," Della Fera said by telephone.

Cid Torrez had been granted custody of the children in May after a bitter custody battle with Vilet Torrez's family. The children have been in the custody of the maternal grandparents since his arrest.

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