PHOENIX — A Tempe woman who brutally murdered her two young children with a meat cleaver has been sentenced to two consecutive natural life sentences, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced this week.
Yui Inoue, born in 1980, was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of child abuse, and one count of disorderly conduct for the deaths of her 7-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter in 2021.
The tragedy unfolded just hours after police had responded to a domestic dispute between Inoue and her ex-husband, who had recently divorced her and reported ongoing conflicts over money. At the time of the police visit to their apartment near Mill and Southern Avenues, both children were found alive and sleeping.
After officers left, Inoue reportedly entered the children’s bedroom and delivered dozens of fatal blows to both children using a meat cleaver. She then attempted to clean up the scene, showered, packed a bag with cash and a passport, and left the apartment after covering her children’s bodies with garbage and other items.
Inoue later walked into a Tempe police station, claiming she heard voices saying she had harmed her children. Officers rushed back to the residence and discovered the horrific crime scene.
In addition to the life sentences, Inoue received 35 years in prison for the child abuse and disorderly conduct charges, which will be served consecutively.
“This woman will spend the rest of her days in prison, which is where she should be,” said County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “As monstrous as this crime was, the greater tragedy is that it is not unique… I applaud those who put this defendant in prison… to ensure justice is served.”
