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Authorities said notes left inside the home of Paula Eleazar Mendez, 43, may explain why she took the life of her three young children and tried to kill herself by swallowing a toxic substance.

Mendez was being held in an Arkansas county jail Sunday after being treated at a hospital for swallowing a toxic substance. She collapsed when police arrived at her home Saturday in response to a call from her husband, who works in New York, who said he wife had confessed to the killings.

Inside the home, police found 8-year-old Elvis and 6-year-old twins, Samanta and Samuel, lying side-by-side on a bed. Autopsies will determine whether the children were smothered or poisoned, investigators said.

"I do not believe there is any dispute as to who killed these three children, and therefore who will be charged," prosecutor Tom Cooper said. "However, we have not determined at this time the particular homicide charge or punishment we will be seeking."

'Quiet, Devout Woman'

A family priest described Mendez as a "quiet, devout woman concerned about her children's welfare." He said she and the children never missed Sunday services and attended religious education classes.

"She has tremendous remorse. She is deeply sorry," the Rev. Salvador Marquez-Munoz said. "She asked for our prayers and forgiveness because she is realizing how much she has hurt the community, as well."

See Also:
Mom Accused of Child Killings Left Notes

More Information:
Women Who Kill Their Children

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Comments

June 20, 2009 at 8:59 am
(1) kavya says:

They need to do way instain mother> who kill thier babbys. becuse these babby cant frigth back it was on the news this mroing a mother in ar who had kill her three kids . they are taking the three babby back to new york too lady to rest my pary are with the father who lost his chrilden ; i am truley sorry for your lots

May 4, 2011 at 6:26 pm
(2) Internetz says:

Epic meme.

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