41-year-old Kelli Lynn Murphy and her husband were going through a divorce. Her husband wanted joint custody of their kids, 9-year-old Liam and 6-year-old Madigan.
Kelli chose to end their lives rather than share them. On May 23rd, 2011, she smothered the innocent children. Afterward, she called 911, confessing to the crime and telling them she tried to delete herself.
While talking to the dispatcher, she said her kids were “already in heaven.”
When detectives started investigating the crime scene, they found custody paperwork with the statement “Was it worth it?” written on it.
Kelli survived, and when she went to trial, her attorney blamed medication and alcohol for her actions. They were hoping for a manslaughter conviction.
The prosecution said she knew what she was doing, and the jury agreed. On November 27th, 2012 she was convicted of two counts of first degree murder after deliberation and two counts of first degree murder of a victim under 12. She is serving life in prison without the possibility of parole.
DOB:
1969Conviction(s):
- First degree murder after deliberation (2 counts)
- First degree murder of a victim under 12 (2 counts)
Date of crime:
May 23rd, 2011Location(s):
Castle Rock, CODate of arrest:
Same DayDetails:
Smothered her kids rather than share custody with her husband.Confirmed Victim(s):
- Liam (9)
- Madigan (6)
Method:
SmotheringMotive(s):
Didn't want to share custodySentence:
Life without paroleCurrent whereabouts:
Denver Women's Correctional Facility in Denver, COLast Updated on 08/23/2026
