A California couple will spend the rest of their lives in prison for killing two of their children.
Maurice Jewel Taylor Sr., 39, and Natalie Sumiko Brothwell, 49, were sentenced on Monday. They were found guilty of killing their 13-year-old daughter, Maliaka, and 12-year-old son, Maurice Jr., in their home. Reports say the couple also made their other two children look at the bodies.
The court also issued a 10-year protective order for the surviving children.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman called it a “monstrous act of cruelty.” He said the children’s murders have left the family shattered. He added that the jury’s decision delivers justice for the victims.
Brothwell claimed she was innocent and tried to save her children. Her mother also defended her, saying Taylor had “ruined so many lives.”
However, the judge noted there was no real remorse from the couple.
