Jury Convicted Samantha Kimberly of First-Degree Murder

A Pueblo jury found Samantha Kimberly guilty of murder and child abuse following the death of a 3-year-old child.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Sex Crimes

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Samantha Kimberly, 40, was convicted of first-degree murder and child abuse in Pueblo following the death of her 3-year-old child. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Samantha Kimberly, 40, has been convicted of first-degree murder, two counts of child abuse, and accessory to a crime. The verdict follows the death of her 3-year-old child from a severe brain injury and the hospitalization of a 14-year-old child.

Why it matters

The conviction centers on physical abuse inflicted upon the defendant's children, which left one child deceased and another requiring hospital treatment. Expert witnesses testified during the trial to establish the nature of the abuse.

The jury returned a guilty verdict on October 6, 2026, for the multiple charges brought against the defendant. Sentencing is scheduled to follow on October 26, 2026.

The players

Samantha Kimberly

She is a 40-year-old defendant who was convicted of first-degree murder and child abuse charges in Pueblo.

The details

Deputies initiated the investigation after responding to reports of an unconscious and non-breathing 3-year-old child. During the proceedings in Pueblo, expert witnesses provided testimony that was central to the conviction regarding the nature of the abuse.

Timeline

  1. June 8, 2024: Samantha Kimberly was arrested.

  2. October 6, 2026: The jury returned a guilty verdict.

  3. October 26, 2026: Sentencing is scheduled at 2 p.m.

Legal Context

The conviction follows established state protocols for prosecuting cases involving the death of minors. This case mirrors broader trends in the judicial handling of severe child abuse incidents within Colorado courts.

The conclusion of this trial provides legal resolution for the community following a high-profile case of child abuse. Local residents have followed the trial closely since the initial arrest in June 2024.

The takeaway

This case highlights the judicial response to cases involving the severe injury or death of minors. Public attention remains focused on the upcoming sentencing hearing scheduled for late October.

What happens next

Samantha Kimberly will be sentenced on October 26, 2026, at 2 p.m.

Further reading

For additional context on legal proceedings in the area, visit the Sex Crimes section.