Mother convicted in killings of two sons, acquitted in third death

Wednesday, April 14, 1999 | 9:30 a.m.

Prosecutors said Denise Buchanan murdered the boys, who all died before their first birthdays.

The woman's attorney contended that a rare genetic kidney disease was to blame. That will be a basis of appeal along with the complexity of the trial - 29 days, more than 100 witnesses and difficult medical terminology.

Buchanan, 31, could face life in prison on each of the two convictions at her sentencing May 28 in Washoe District Court.

Police weren't suspicious of her until the third death over a four-year period between 1989 and 1993. The prior two children were listed as dying from sudden infant death syndrome.

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