A Norwalk, Calif., jury has convicted a man of the murders of five of his children and the attempted murder of a sixth child.
Adair Javier Garcia was convicted of five counts of first degree murder for lighting a charcoal grill inside his home in February 2002 and closing all doors and windows, WABC-TV, Los Angeles, reported Wednesday. The five children, ages ranging from 6 to 10, died from asphyxiation, while Garcia and a then-9-year-old daughter survived. He was convicted of one count of attempted murder for the surviving daughter.
Prosecutors said the crime was attempted revenge against Garcia's wife, who had recently left him. They said he wanted to kill himself and the six children.
The circumstances of the case make Garcia eligible for the death penalty. The sentencing phase of the trial is scheduled to begin Monday.
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