An Idaho mother has been charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of her infant twins, who she had previously claimed died from vaccine complications. The woman, identified as Heidi Kadell, 33, was arrested Tuesday.
Authorities allege Kadell suffocated her 3-month-old twins, a boy and a girl, on March 11, 2023. Medical examiners determined the cause of death was suffocation. According to charging documents, Kadell made statements to investigators suggesting she was responsible for the infants' deaths, though she also reportedly expressed confusion and distress.
Prior to the charges, Kadell had publicly spoken about her belief that the twins had died due to adverse reactions to their routine vaccinations. She had reportedly sought information online and from others regarding vaccine injuries. This narrative was shared by the family and on social media platforms.
The investigation reportedly uncovered evidence that contradicted Kadell's claims of vaccine-related deaths, leading prosecutors to pursue murder charges. The circumstances surrounding the deaths and the subsequent investigation are detailed in court documents. Kadell is currently being held in the Canyon County Jail.