AURORA, Colo. -- Aurora police went to court Wednesday to fight the return of eight children to the parents of a missing girl.

Police believe Aaron Thompson and Shelley Lowe should never be parents again.

It is believed that Arapahoe County was planning on asking a judge to return the couple's eight children. The kids -- including a newborn -- were removed from the couple's home in November after police announced that they believe 6-year-old Aarone Thompson had been killed in the home.

The girl, who would be 7 now, has not been found, and police characterized Aaron Thompson and Shelley Lowe as "persons of interest in the investigation." The couple has denied any involvement in the girl's disappearance.

As they left the closed-door custody hearing Wednesday, the couple wouldn't comment on the case because of a court order. But Aurora's police chief was open about the department's stance on the situation.

"It's rare that a police department weigh in on something like this but in this case, we've been asked and we have pretty strong feelings about it," said Police Chief Daniel Oates.

Police believe that Aarone Thompson was killed in the home and that she was not missing but has dead for more than 18 months. They say that's reason enough to keep the other kids away.

"I think it's obvious. You have two adults who are responsible for the care of Aarone Thompson. And by all indications, based on all the information we have, (they) did not properly care for her," said Oates.

The custody hearing ended Wednesday with no resolution.

Investigators are calling Aarone Thompson's an active case and even though there have been no new developments, no one has yet been arrested, and Aarone's body still hasn't been found. Police say the case has not stalled, but people watching the case closely say police may be looking for a break.

"I think the police are stuck. They think that Aaron Thompson and Shely Mary Lowe are involved -- that's obvious by their position that the kids should not be returned. But can they answer who did what, when, where, why, how? That's tough," said legal analyst Craig Silverman. "As a prosecutor, you only get one bite of the apple. If you charge them, you need to have the proof or they will be found not guilty and you can never prosecute them again."