Court documents have revealed that the Colorado mother who allegedly killed two of her children and is currently on the run was embroiled in a lengthy custody battle with her ex-husband and was just days away from losing the children.
Kimberlee Singler, 35, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, is wanted for alleged murder, attempted murder and child abuse.
Police, responding to a 911 report of a burglary at an apartment complex in the 5300 block of Palomino Ranch Point, in the city's northeast, on Dec. 19 around 12:30 p.m., found Singler and her surviving daughter, 11, lying next to the bodies of her other daughter, nine, and son, seven.
Singler and her 11-year-old daughter, both injured, were treated at the scene by emergency responders before being taken to local hospitals for further treatment.
But police said upon investigation they discovered the 911 call was a hoax.
Court documents have now revealed that Singler was involved in a nearly four-year legal battle for custody of her children with ex-husband Kevin Wentz.
Kimberlee Singler, 35, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, (pictured) is wanted for alleged murder, attempted murder and child abuse
In September 2018, authorities were called when Wentz allegedly pulled a knife on the accused killer and called her offensive names when he came to pick up his children.
The couple had filed for divorce in 2018, which was granted in 2020.
A Larimer County judge had approved a custody plan that allowed Wentz to visit his children at specific dates and times and granted full custody to Singler.
But in September 2018, authorities were called when Wentz allegedly pulled a knife on the accused killer and called her offensive names when he came to pick up his children.
Colorado Springs police arrived on scene and spoke with Wentz, who denied all allegations.
Court documents show the CSPD found no probable cause to arrest Wentz and left.
Things got worse when Singler failed to drop the children off at CSPD Stetson Hills Substation and never showed up on December 16, 2023.
The next day, Wentz's attorney asked a Larimer County judge to grant him possession of his children since the mother had violated their custody agreement, which had been granted.
When Colorado Springs police called Singler to check on the children, she told him she was “nowhere near the police station.”
She later sent an email saying she was in Colorado with all three children.
Wentz was then given full custody of the children until a new agreement could be revisited at their next hearing on January 18, 2024.
But by December 19, two of the three children were dead.
Colorado Springs police arrived on scene and spoke with Wentz, who denied all allegations
A spokesperson for the Colorado Springs Police Department said at the time that the 11-year-old was recovering from her injuries and receiving treatment. It is not known where she is being cared for and by whom
The Singler family said today: “Following the statement from the Wentz family attorney, we have decided to issue a similar statement.
“We are cooperating fully with police in their efforts to locate Kimberlee and we are asking for the public's help in finding her. We deeply grieve this horrific tragedy and ask for privacy and prayers as we navigate this storm.
“Our focus is on God and His glory and on our surviving niece. We hope everyone remembers the innocence that comes with this and our only goal is to protect her. Please pray for healing and peace for all involved as we seek answers, and grant us our privacy. Thank you.'
A spokesperson for the Colorado Springs Police Department said at the time that the 11-year-old was recovering from her injuries and receiving treatment. It is not known where she is being cared for and by whom.
Singler is currently wanted on four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of child abuse, and one count of assault
Singler is currently wanted on four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of child abuse and one count of assault.
A Colorado court has set bail at $10 million.
Authorities told the New York Times they had “reason to believe” that Singler, last seen on Christmas Eve, was no longer in the state.
They have cordoned off the apartment she lived in and are still investigating her disappearance, despite the FBI joining the manhunt.
It is still unknown whether she fled alone or with someone else, nor whether there were other parents who helped raise Singler's children.