LAS VEGAS (KSNV MyNews3) -- The mother and stepfather of a young boy beaten to death faced a judge today.
Both plead not guilty to murder.
Murder charges have been filed but there's a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the biological father of the little boy. He says he wants justice for his 7-year-old son, Roderick Arrington Jr.
Dina Palmer stood emotionless next to her husband, Markiece Palmer. Both plead not guilty and waived their right to a speedy trial.
Police say the pair beat 7-year-old RJ to death in late November for not reading a Bible verse.
They're facing murder and child neglect charges.
Matthew Callister, RJ's father's attorney says enough was not done to protect RJ.
Callister says though school officials contacted Clark County's Family Services, child protective services did not respond quickly enough and RJ was sent home to be beaten unconscious and later die in a hospital.
