Keaton in court for prelim hearing (Natalie & Chase DeBlase)

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Updated: Monday, 14 Feb 2011, 9:15 AM CST Published : Monday, 14 Feb 2011, 9:07 AM CST

Renee Dials

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) - Family members of two slain children gave FOX10 News a written statement just before Heather Keaton's preliminary hearing was scheduled to begin Monday morning.

Authorities allege five-year-old Natalie Deblase and three-year-old Jonathan Chase Deblase were abused and eventually killed by Keaton and John Deblase, the children's biological father.

The statement reads: "Today is Valentine's Day, a day for love. Natalie and Jonathan had the ultimate love for their grandparents. Representative Harry Shiver of Baldwin County has a bill, a Grandparent's Bill of Rights. Please support this representative in his quest to pass this bill. The bill is too late to help Natalie and Jonathan but maybe it will stop this from happening again. Only the citizens of Alabama can stop this by passing a Grandparent's Bill of Rights. The loving Grandparents of Natalie and Jonathan Deblase remember these children were born from love. Love your grandchildren any way you can. You will never regret it. Richard Deblase."

Richard is the children's grandfather.

Officials found Jonathan's body in a wooded area in Mississippi, and Natalie's body in a wooded area in Citronelle, Alabama. Authorities say Keaton and Deblase blame each other for the children's deaths.

Keaton is charged with capital murder in connection with the children's death. Deblase faces felony murder charges.

Renee Dials is in the courtroom and will have a recap of proceedings tonight on FOX10 News at 5 p.m. Read more at www.fox10tv.com

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