Robert Hodges (pictured), 32, who was accused of killing his three children in September has pleaded guilty to the murders
A California man who was accused of killing his three children in September pleaded guilty to the murders on Thursday.
Robert Hodges, 32, said in a preliminary hearing testimony that he was in a ‘deep financial crisis’ when he suffocated seven-month-old Lucas first on September 13.
After several hours, Hodges then moved on to the older children, Kelvin, 11 and nine-year-old Julie.
Hodges said he had to take breaks between the killings to summon the physical and mental strength to carry out the horrific murders.
He killed Kelvin and Julie after surprising them from behind and choking them to death with a leather belt, according to the Sacramento Bee.
He then planned to kill his wife, Mai Hodges, and take his own life.
Hodges pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and attempted murder in his attack on his wife.
Hodges said in a preliminary hearing testimony that he was in a ‘deep financial crisis’ when he suffocated seven-month-old Lucas (center) first on September 13. After several hours, Hodges then moved on to the older children, Kelvin (left), 11 and nine-year-old Julie (right)
Hodges said he had to take breaks between the killings to summon the physical and mental strength to carry out the horrific murders. He’s pictured with his son, daughter and wife, Mai Hodges
He killed Kelvin and Julie (pictured with Lucas) after surprising them from behind and choking them to death with a leather belt
His reasoning for the killings, investigators said at the time, was to spare the family financial hardship.
Tears poured down Mai Hodges’ face as each of the counts were read aloud.
Robert Hodges’ voice broke as he responded ‘guilty,’ to the allegations, according to the Bee.
On September 13, police were called to his West Sacramento apartment complex for a domestic violence incident.
What they found was a horrific scene as the children laid lifeless inside the home.
He then planned to kill his wife, Mai Hodges (pictured), and take his own life
Hodges (pictured on September 18) pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and attempted murder in his attack on his wife. Sentencing is set for January 19
First responders immediately tried life-saving measures on the children.
Police first spoke with Hodges when he was found just after midnight in a parked car roughly seven miles from his apartment.
At the time, police said Mai Hodges was in close proximity of their murders, but did not witness them.
‘She didn’t go to a hospital,’ Sergeant Roger Kinney said in September.
‘But what he did to her was significant enough that it did merit a charge of attempted murder from our investigators.’
Mai Hodges’ sister, Lyang Xvang, said the family was not aware of any problems between the couple.
‘They love each other very much,’ Xvang said at the time. ‘I just don’t understand how he made this choice.’
She said she was a victim of domestic violence, but she didn’t know the extent of her injuries.
Hodges will be sentenced on January 19.
On September 13, police were called to his West Sacramento apartment complex for a domestic violence incident. What they found was a horrific scene as the children (pictured with their parents) laid lifeless inside the home
The horrific murders occurred inside an apartment at the complex above