Grand jury indicts Phoenix mom on 3 counts of 1st-degree murder

PHOENIX – The Phoenix mother accused of killing her three young children last week was indicted by a grand jury Monday on three counts of first-degree murder, authorities said.

Rachel Henry, 22, was arrested Jan. 20 after she allegedly smothered her 3-year-old boy, 1-year-old girl and 7-month-old girl.

“This office is committed to seeking justice on behalf of the three young lives lost in this horrific tragedy,” Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel said Tuesday in a press release.

“I want to thank the first responders and prosecutors who responded on Jan. 20, as well as those who have carried this case forward and will continue to do so.”

Police said Henry admitted to killing the children one by one at a home near Baseline Road and 24th Street where she lived with her husband, the kids and her great-aunt.

Henry allegedly then placed the children on the couch as if they were sleeping.

Family members told police Henry had a methamphetamine addiction and had recently been acting strange, according to police documents.

The next hearing date for the case was set for Feb. 4.

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