Kimberlee Singler, a 36-year-old Colorado woman, faces extradition to the United States from the United Kingdom following a judge’s ruling that she can be tried in Colorado for the alleged murder of her two young children. Singler was apprehended by U.K. authorities on December 30, 2023, after Colorado authorities accused her of drugging and killing her 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son, and injuring her 11-year-old daughter before fleeing the country. The charges against her include four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of child abuse, and one count of assault.
Singler’s legal team, led by Edward Fitzgerald KC, known for representing Julian Assange, argued against extradition on the grounds that a potential life sentence without parole, the mandatory penalty for her alleged crimes in Colorado, would violate the European Convention of Human Rights. Fitzgerald contended that such a sentence is disproportionate and represents an inhumane punishment. He highlighted the stark difference in the number of life sentences served in the U.K. compared to the U.S., emphasizing the rarity of such sentences in the British justice system.
The prosecution, represented by Joel Smith KC, argued that a life sentence without parole does not preclude the possibility of clemency. Smith detailed the horrific nature of the alleged crimes, stating that Singler shot and stabbed her two younger children and attacked her eldest daughter with a knife, inflicting serious injuries. The alleged murders took place amidst a contentious custody battle between Singler and her husband. Smith described how Singler allegedly instructed her children to close their eyes before attacking them, leaving her eldest daughter to survive the ordeal.
Colorado Springs police, upon investigating the crime scene, discovered spent rounds, a blood-stained knife, and empty bottles of sleeping pills, corroborating the prosecution’s account. The two younger children were found deceased in their bed. Initially, police responded to a 911 call reporting a burglary from Singler’s address, but later determined the report to be unfounded. The evidence collected at the scene, coupled with the surviving daughter’s testimony, paints a grim picture of the events leading to the children’s deaths.
The U.K. judge, John Zani, ultimately ruled in favor of extradition, paving the way for Singler to be returned to Colorado to face trial. The final decision on extradition now rests with U.K. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. While the judge acknowledged the severity of a life sentence without parole, he determined that it did not constitute a violation of Singler’s human rights, particularly considering the potential avenue for clemency. The case highlights the complex legal considerations involved in international extradition, especially when balancing different legal systems and approaches to sentencing.
This case has garnered significant media attention, not only due to the horrific nature of the alleged crimes and the international legal proceedings, but also because of the involvement of Edward Fitzgerald KC, a prominent lawyer known for his defense of Julian Assange. The contrasting perspectives on the appropriateness of life sentences without parole in the U.S. and U.K. legal systems have further fueled public discussion. The final decision by the U.K. Home Secretary will determine whether Singler will be returned to Colorado to face justice for the alleged murder of her children. The surviving daughter’s testimony is expected to play a crucial role in the trial if it proceeds.
