DENVER — A Colorado Springs woman accused of killing her three children by burning down her home for insurance money has been found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder.
Jurors deliberated less than three hours Monday before convicting 41-year-old Deborah Nicholls. They got the case just before 2 p.m. after each side made closing arguments.
Nicholls also was charged arson, child abuse and other counts in the March 7, 2003, fire at her family’s home. The blaze killed 11-year-old Jay, 5-year-old Sophia, and 3-year-old Sierra Nicholls.
Nicholls was found guilty of all but one of felony charges against her, a cocaine possession charge.
Deputy Public Defender Jeff Schwartz says an appeal is planned.
Nicholls’ husband, Timothy Nicholls, was convicted last year of felony murder and is serving life without parole.
