Tempe Mother Sentenced to Life for the Tragic Deaths of Her Two Children

It has been four years since Yui Inoue was first arrested in connection with the deaths of her two young children, Mia and Kai.

PHOENIX — In a shocking conclusion to a tragic case, a Tempe mother was sentenced to two life sentences for the murders of her children. Yui Inoue was convicted in February of killing 9-year-old Mia and 7-year-old Kai in May 2021. Her trial, which spanned about two weeks, saw her forfeiting the right to attend, a decision that raised eyebrows.

During the trial, prosecutors argued that Inoue was driven by anger towards her husband as the couple faced separation. Tensions escalated when Inoue demanded her husband pay what he owed her in connection with their impending divorce. Following a call made by the husband, Tempe police arrived at the apartment, finding the children asleep and damaged computer equipment scattered about.

The situation took a horrific turn when officers returned later. The children were discovered deceased, concealed beneath boxes in the living space. Autopsy results revealed extensive neck and head injuries, with prosecutors stating the number of wounds was “too many to count.”

During the investigation, a cleaver-style knife and bloodied clothing were reportedly located in Inoue’s vehicle. She had previously informed police that voices compelled her to commit the act, claiming she woke up to find blood but had no memory of harming her children.

Inoue’s troubling history in Arizona came under scrutiny as well. In March 2021, she faced allegations of aggravated assault against a police officer. Additionally, the Department of Child Safety (DCS) was investigating her for suspected neglect when she vanished with her son Kai, only to be located later and returned to his father. Although the DCS ultimately found no grounds to remove the children from the home, the case remained open when the tragic incident occurred.

Amidst questions regarding Inoue’s mental health, a judge determined that related evidence could not be presented during the trial. Inoue’s defense attorney urged jurors to consider both perspectives and evaluate evidence rigorously. Ultimately, jurors found her guilty on all fronts: murder, child abuse, and disorderly conduct.

Inoue received two life sentences for the murders, along with 17 years for each of the child abuse charges and one year for disorderly conduct, all to be served consecutively. The court’s decision marked a somber verdict in a case that gripped the community.