A 24 year old woman who stabbed her two young daughters to death has been found guilty of their murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 24 years behind bars.
Bradford Crown Court had heard that Samira Lupidi, stabbed both 17-month-old Jasmine Weaver and three-year-old Evelyn Lupidi multiple times at a refuge in Bradford in November.
She had previously admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but denied murdering the two girls.
She was found guilty of both murders and sentenced to life with a minimum of 24 years behind bars.
Detective Inspector Richard Holmes, who led the investigation, said: "This has been a tragic case which has had a profound effect on all those involved in the investigation. Most notably the families of Evelyn and Jasmine, whose young lives were so cruelly and needlessly taken by their mother.
"The reasons for her drastic actions may never be fully known, but she will now have some time to consider the consequences and I hope that the families of Evelyn and Jasmine can find some comfort in this verdict."
In a statement the family of Evelyn and Jasmine, said: “We have been left utterly devastated by the tragic events of last November. We were preparing to celebrate Evelyn and Jasmine's christening with their great grandparents who had flown in from Italy for the special occasion.
“It should have been a joyous time but instead Evelyn and Jasmine were cruelly taken away from us. We will all remember that day. Our lives are now filled with sorrow and our broken hearts will never heal.
"The girls were typical toddlers always wanting to play, always smiling and happy but never that far from being mischievous. They have been robbed of their precious lives and we as a family have been robbed of the opportunity to see those beautiful little girls grow into beautiful young women. They were loved deeply and are missed terribly.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank West Yorkshire Police for their personal support and kindness throughout our ordeal, without their help the last six months would undoubtedly have been even more difficult during what has been a devastating time.”
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