LEXINGTON, KY – A Lexington mother has been sentenced to two decades of imprisonment in a heart-wrenching case involving the deaths of her two young children.

On a somber Friday, Nikki James, a 45-year-old woman, faced a final sentencing for the manslaughter of her 5-year-old daughter, Skylar, and 13-year-old son, Deon Williams. The tragic event that led to their deaths occurred in May 2022, when the children were found with life-threatening injuries in their family apartment.

Authorities have reported that following the distressing discovery, both children were rushed to a hospital; however, they could not be saved and succumbed to their injuries. The incident was initially investigated as a “stabbing/cutting” occurrence, according to the responding officers.

James was arrested shortly after and charged with murder. However, in June, in the wake of a revised plea agreement, she accepted responsibility for two counts of second-degree manslaughter. It was noted during her trial that James had experienced a psychotic episode during the time of the stabbing, the information presented by her defense attorney, Bonnie Potter. Subsequent to the plea deal, James avoided a potential life sentence.

During the early stages of the case, Detective Joshua Crowe of the Lexington Police Department testified regarding the disturbing events. Witnesses had reported to the police a frantic woman, later identified as James, drenched in blood, urging neighbors to commit violence against their children and themselves. Crowe recounted how James had explicitly confessed to the homicides to the witnesses and led officers to the scene at her apartment. Additionally, it was disclosed that James herself had suffered stab wounds.

James’s attorney has since remarked on the emotional toll the incident has taken on her client, stating James is devastated by the loss of her children but is relieved that the legal proceedings have come to a conclusion.

This harrowing episode has left the Lexington community in shock, raising poignant discussions on mental health and the safety of children within their own homes. James will now serve consecutive 10-year sentences for each child, marking an end to a case that has gripped the hearts of many across the state.