The recent deaths of 7-year-old Aden Wentz and 9-year-old Elianna “Ellie” Wentz shocked the Colorado Springs community. The young siblings were found dead in a Colorado Springs condominium on December 19, 2022, allegedly shot by their own mother, 35-year-old Kimberlee Singler.
This heartbreaking case has brought attention to the custody battle between Singler and her ex-husband, 38-year-old Kevin John Wentz. Newly released autopsy reports provide grim details about the final moments of young Aden and Ellie’s lives. Both children suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head and had high levels of doxylamine, an antihistamine medication used for insomnia, in their blood. Additionally, both had wounds on their necks, indicating a deeply violent attack.
The question the community is now asking is — how could a mother do this to her own beloved children?
A Contentious Divorce and Custody Battle
Kimberlee Singler and Kevin Wentz had been embroiled in a bitter custody dispute over Aden and Ellie since their divorce in December 2018. There were allegations of domestic violence and use of weapons on both sides.
In September 2022, Singler filed for a temporary protection order against Wentz, claiming he had waved a knife at her. Wentz denied the allegations, though the case remains open. Later in November, an emergency hearing was held after similar accusations from Singler, but the court found no proof of imminent threat.
The court granted Wentz increased visitation rights in late 2022, but Singler allegedly refused to hand over Aden and Ellie. Wentz’s attorney filed for emergency law enforcement assistance to enforce the court order.
Tragically, the next time Wentz would see his children was when police discovered their lifeless bodies in Singler’s home.
Piecing Together the Events of December 19th
In the early hours of December 19th, Colorado Springs Police Department received a 911 call reporting a burglary in progress at a condominium owned by Singler. When police arrived at 00:29, they made the horrific discovery of 9-year-old Ellie and 7-year-old Aden shot dead.
Singler was found injured at the scene alongside another 11-year-old daughter. All three were transported to the hospital for treatment. Initially categorized as a burglary, police soon determined the call was unfounded and that the children’s deaths appeared deliberate and at the hands of their own mother.
Autopsy records showed Ellie suffered fatal gunshot wounds to her head and deep lacerations on her neck. Her toxicology report showed potentially lethal levels of doxylamine in her system at the time of death. Her younger brother Aden died in the same manner of a gunshot blast to the head and also had high doxylamine levels.
The Violent and Tragic End of Two Young Lives
The autopsy reports leave little doubt that the Wentz children experienced extreme violence and terror in their final moments. That their own mother could be responsible for such cruel deaths is mourned by the whole community.
For the Colorado Springs Police Department, the focus quickly shifted to locating Singler. An arrest warrant was issued December 20th when she allegedly fled the country for London, England shortly after the children’s murders. Singler was apprehended in London on December 30th and now awaits extradition back to Colorado to face murder charges.
What Drove a Mother to Such Extreme Violence?
As Kimberlee Singler prepares to stand trial, the question remains — what could drive a parent to brutally murder their own offspring? This heartbreaking case has tragic implications for parental rights and custody disputes.
It is a sobering reminder that domestic violence often escalates around divorce and breakups. Warning signs should not be ignored when children’s safety and wellbeing are on the line. Access to firearms combined with unaddressed mental health issues can also have deadly consequences.
While justice is still pending for Aden and Ellie Wentz, their deaths serve as an urgent call for family court reform. Their mother allegedly slipped through the cracks of an overburdened system meant to protect vulnerable youth. Their father’s desperate pleas went unanswered until it was too late.
Perhaps the legacy of these two children will be renewed public scrutiny of parental rights laws and better safeguards put in place. If any good can come from such senseless violence, it will be the prevention of future tragedy for Colorado’s children caught in the crosshairs of custody disputes.
For now, Aden and Ellie are mourned, their lives commemorated for the joy and promise they contained. The Wentz family asks for privacy and prayers as they grapple with unimaginable grief in the wake of horrific events. They seek justice while cherishing the sweet memories of their beloved boy and girl whose lives ended too soon.
