The ruling clears the way for U.K. authorities to return Kimberlee Singler to Colorado to face murder and related charges.
LONDON — A judge in Westminster Magistrates’ Court ruled that Colorado Springs resident Kimberlee Singler can be extradited to the United States to face charges in the 2023 deaths of two of her children and the wounding of a third, a decision announced this week in open court.
Officials said the decision follows a months-long process in London, where Singler had challenged her return on human rights grounds. Colorado prosecutors have charged her with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder and multiple counts of child abuse and assault tied to an incident reported as a burglary call in December 2023. With the judge’s order, the case shifts from the courtroom in Westminster to the British government, which must complete the final steps for transfer before authorities in El Paso County can take custody.
Police in Colorado Springs responded to a 12:29 a.m. 911 call on Dec. 19, 2023, at an apartment on Palomino Ranch Point. Officers found an adult woman and an 11-year-old girl injured and two children — a nine-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy — dead inside the home. Investigators initially treated the scene as a possible break-in. In the days that followed, detectives secured an arrest warrant for Singler, who had left Colorado. She was taken into custody in London on Dec. 30, 2023, after an international search. Prosecutors allege the deaths and injuries occurred during a family dispute that had spilled into court filings; the defense has said investigators rushed to judgment. “This decision allows the case to proceed where the charges were filed,” a Colorado Springs police spokesperson said in a statement.
In hearings through fall 2024 and into early 2025, defense lawyers argued that extraditing Singler would violate protections under European human-rights law because, if convicted in Colorado of first-degree murder, she could face a life sentence without parole. Prosecutors replied that U.S. courts and governors retain clemency powers and that Colorado abolished the death penalty in 2020. The judge agreed with prosecutors and ruled that the sentence scheme and review mechanisms do not bar removal. Court documents list charges including two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder tied to the surviving child’s injuries, along with three counts of child abuse and an assault count. Authorities have not publicly released a timetable for transport. The child who survived was treated for injuries and is in the care of relatives, according to earlier police statements.
The case drew intense attention in Colorado Springs after police said the initial report of a burglary did not match evidence gathered at the scene. City records show detectives sought digital and witness evidence and reviewed past court filings involving the family. By Dec. 26, 2023, a judge authorized an arrest warrant with the top count of first-degree murder. Less than a week later, British officers arrested Singler in London, where she remained while contesting extradition. A London court reviewed medical records, forensic reports and witness statements, including those from first responders. The ruling noted the seriousness of the allegations and the expectation that the matter should be tried in the jurisdiction where the deaths occurred.
Colorado prosecutors have said the charges will be handled in El Paso County District Court once Singler is returned. After U.S. authorities take custody, she is expected to make an initial appearance where a judge will advise her of the counts and discuss counsel. Under Colorado law, first-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence upon conviction. If the case proceeds, prosecutors typically have 91 days from arraignment to be ready for trial in custody cases, unless deadlines are extended. U.S. marshals coordinate international prisoner transport; once in Colorado, the district attorney can move to unseal documents, file additional disclosures and set a preliminary hearing date.
Neighbors who lived near the Palomino Ranch Point complex recalled squad cars and an overnight search on the block the night police responded. “It was quiet and cold, and then there were flashing lights everywhere,” said one resident who watched officers cordon off the building. Another neighbor described leaving for work at dawn and seeing investigators carry paper bags from the unit. At a vigil held the week after the deaths, family friends spoke about the children’s personalities and teachers left notes. “This is a long road, but we will stand with the surviving child,” a local advocate said.
For now, officials say they are awaiting the administrative step in the United Kingdom to finalize the extradition order and arrange the transfer. Court schedules in Colorado will be set after Singler arrives and is booked into the county jail. The next formal update is expected once the British government issues the surrender warrant and coordinates travel with U.S. authorities.
Author note: Last updated November 29, 2025.