Mom accused of killing kids filed for bankruptcy

DENVER – A Colorado mother accused of killing her two children was going through divorce and bankruptcy proceedings when she allegedly called police to tell them she was committing suicide and her children were in heaven, according to court documents.

The children, 6-year-old Madigan and 9-year-old Liam, had no visible injuries and the Douglas County coroner's office said Tuesday they still haven't determined the cause of death.

Kelli Murphy, 41, appeared Tuesday in a courtroom in Castle Rock with her wrists covered in bandages. She was arrested Monday on two counts of first-degree murder after police found the children dead in their home.

Police say Murphy had called 911 on Monday morning and said she was going to commit suicide. When a dispatcher asked whether there were any children home, Murphy said they were in heaven, police said.

Police say Murphy and her husband had been living separately and he didn't arrive until after officers responded. Court documents show Murphy and her husband filed for bankruptcy last June and then for divorce in February.

A complaint of domestic abuse had been filed and a temporary restraining order granted in March, but court documents did not say which spouse the complaint or the restraining order was against. The restraining order was vacated a week later.

Kelli Murphy tried to withdraw her request for a divorce on April 26, saying she made it "wrongly, out of anger."

Kelli Murphy has been assigned a public defender. The public defender's office was closed Tuesday because of inclement weather and did not immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press.

Authorities say officers answered five or six calls to the home in recent months and no criminal behavior was suspected at those times. On Sunday, Eric Murphy asked for a welfare check on the house, but police did not release details of that incident.

Police Chief Tony Lane said the husband is not a suspect in the investigation.

"We wish to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this most difficult time," Eric Murphy said in a statement.

A district judge ordered Murphy held without bond. She was due back in court Friday when charges are expected to be filed against her.

Castle Rock is about 25 miles south of Denver.