US Woman Wanted in Murder of Two Children and Attempted Murder of Third Can Be Extradited from UK, Judge Rules

Introduction

An American woman, Kimberlee Singler, 36, wanted in the US for the murder of two of her children and attempting to kill her third child can be extradited from the UK, a judge in a London court ruled on Friday.

Background

Kimberlee Singler has been charged in Colorado with seven counts, including the first-degree murder of her nine-year-old daughter and seven-year-old son in December 2023. Prosecutors allege that Singler killed two of her children by shooting them in the head and stabbing them in the neck in their home, amid a protracted custody battle with her ex-partner. Singler is also accused of trying to kill her third child, a girl then aged 11. She denies the allegations.

The Extradition Challenge

Singler’s lawyers challenged her extradition, arguing that if convicted, she would face a mandatory sentence of life without parole, which would be a breach of her human rights. However, Judge John Zani rejected this challenge, ruling that Singler’s claim should be dismissed.

Previous Court Hearings

At a hearing in September, lawyers representing US prosecutors said that Singler “initially blamed an unknown male and cast suspicions on her former partner” for the crimes, but that this could be proved to be false. Singler’s lawyer, Edward Fitzgerald, told the court that Singler was “concerned that the statement made against her by her surviving child was not voluntary”.

The Ruling

Singler appeared in the dock for the brief hearing, where Zani told her that he had rejected her case. He stated that the case now passes to the secretary of state for a decision as to whether or not extradition is to be ordered. Singler has the right to ask the high court for permission to appeal against the decision if the secretary of state decides to order extradition.

Conclusion

The ruling paves the way for Singler’s potential extradition to the US, where she will face trial for the alleged crimes. However, her lawyers have already indicated that they plan to appeal the decision if it is made.

FAQs

Q: What are the charges against Kimberlee Singler?
A: Singler is charged with seven counts, including the first-degree murder of her nine-year-old daughter and seven-year-old son, and attempting to kill her third child.

Q: What is Singler’s defense strategy?
A: Singler initially blamed an unknown male and cast suspicions on her former partner for the crimes, but this claim could be proved to be false.

Q: What is the next step in the process?
A: The case now passes to the secretary of state for a decision as to whether or not extradition is to be ordered. Singler has the right to ask the high court for permission to appeal against the decision if it is made.