14 DAY TRIAL // Kelli Lynn Murphy of Castle Rock, Colorado was convicted on four counts of first-degree murder after smothering her two children.
The 43-year-old faced charges of murder in the first degree and killing victims under 12, while holding a position of trust. She was sentenced to two life sentences, without the possibility of parole.
In May 2011, Murphy smothered daughter Madigan, 6, and son Liam, 9, in an attempt to get revenge over her husband’s filing for divorce, San Francisco Chronicle reports.
“Although nothing can make up for the loss of Liam and Madigan or fill the void that is left by their absence, we are thankful that this chapter is now over, and we look to God to help lighten our hearts,” the grieving family wrote in their statement.
Reports reveal she lost consciousness after committing the crimes, having consumed large amounts of alcohol and drugs. She had been drinking vodka and taking pills before police arrived at her home.
According to Murphy's attorney, Ara Ohanion, the mother of two intended to take her own life but she blacked out before she could do so.
Officers received a 911 call from an intoxicated Murphy, who was threatening to commit suicide. When the dispatcher picking up the call asked her about the whereabouts of her children, she responded, “They're in heaven now.”
Ohanion pleaded with jurors for her client to be sentenced on lesser charges, because she didn't remember the events after she woke up.
Kelli and Robert Murphy filed for bankruptcy in 2010, before filing for divorce in February 2011, HuffPost writes. She had claimed in court she and her kids suffered from domestic abuse, and asked for a restraining order against Robert and full custody of their children. She later recanted, and refused to give him the divorce.