A court in Jozan County sentenced Maya Patel, the wife of the town’s elementary school director, to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole on Wednesday for the murder of five‑year‑old twins, Aisha and Amir Khan.
The twins were found dead in the family’s home in early March after neighbors reported a foul odor. A forensic investigation revealed that the children had been smothered with a pillow, and toxicology reports indicated high levels of sedatives in their system.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Patel had a history of violent outbursts and had previously threatened the children’s mother over a custody dispute. The defense argued for diminished responsibility due to a diagnosed bipolar disorder, but the jury rejected the claim.
Judge Harpreet Singh, delivering the verdict, said the crime was “a heinous act that shattered the fabric of this close‑knit community” and emphasized the need for a sentence that reflects the gravity of taking innocent lives.
The school district announced plans to provide counseling services for staff and students affected by the tragedy.