Colorado woman accused of killing her children extradited from UK to US

A Colorado mother accused of murdering two of her children has been extradited from the United Kingdom to the United States, authorities said.

Kimberlee Singler, 37, allegedly carried out the attack in Colorado before fleeing to London, where she was arrested in December 2023.

She challenged her extradition at Westminster Magistrates Court – apparently on the grounds that her sentence, if convicted, would breach European human rights law. But she didn’t succeed.

A Colorado prosecutor confirmed Tuesday that Ms. Singler was back in the United States and in custody. She was being held without bail and was expected to appear in court “in the coming days.”

District Attorney Michael Allen said Ms. Singler faces charges of two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, three counts of child abuse and one count of assault.

At the extradition hearing in London, the court heard that Ms Singler’s alleged crimes were “committed in the context of acrimonious legal proceedings” over the custody of her children with her ex-husband.

Prosecutor Joel Smith said Colorado Springs police responded to a 911 call reporting a burglary at a Colorado residence at 12:29 a.m. local time (06:29 GMT) on December 19, 2023.

When police arrived at the defendant’s address, they found her 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son dead as well as a “blood-stained handgun”, which was discovered on the bedroom floor.

Mr Smith said DNA tests were carried out on the gun and a knife, which revealed mixed profiles matching the children and Ms Singler.

A third child, whose identity has not been released, was found with a serious neck injury. She was taken to hospital and survived.

Mr Smith said Ms Singler had blamed her husband for the attack, but he was found to be driving a “GPS tracked truck” in Denver, giving what the prosecutor described as a “complete and verifiable alibi”.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez said Singler’s extradition was “an important step” in the investigation.

Chief Vasquez added, “I know these actions have deeply affected this community, and our thoughts remain with the victims.