KRDO Turns to R&H for Opinion on Extradition Case

Authorities in London arrested the Colorado Springs mother, Kimberlee Singler, accused of killing two of her children. However, the complex international extradition process means bringing Singler back to Colorado to face charges could take months, if not years.

KRDO TV interviewed Robinson & Henry Criminal Defense Partner Ryan Robertson for his legal perspective on the extradition of Colorado mother accused of killing two children.

“This is going to be a marathon, this is not going to be a sprint,” Ryan said. 

Singler was arrested on December 30. Her January 1 court appearance marked the beginning of a legal process that could extend well beyond Colorado's borders. 

While the U.S. and United Kingdom have a strong extradition treaty in place, ensuring Singler's return requires navigating multiple legal hurdles. Ryan said the United States has to prove to the U.K. that it has enough evidence Singler committed the alleged crimes. 

Robertson said it helps the two countries have a sound relationship.

"The United States and the United Kingdom have such a tight relationship and based off the heinous nature of the allegations being made against Ms. Singler, this strikes me as something that will be a very easy call for the United Kingdom," Robertson said.

If there is sufficient evidence for an extradition, U.K. courts will decide whether to return Singler. If approved, the U.K. Secretary of State must formally order her surrender. 

"I anticipate that she'll fight extradition, and also she'll want to pursue that appellate process there as much as possible," Robertson said. "So to that end, this is something that could take months, if not over a year, for her to be extradited."

Singler faces multiple charges including two counts of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, child abuse, and assault. As legal proceedings commence in the U.K., the extradition process for Singler promises to be a lengthy and intricate one.