Two Attempts to Kill Woman Net Life Term

A woman convicted of trying twice to kill an elderly roommate was sentenced Friday to life in prison.

Beth Kirby, 39, admitted in court that she brewed a cup of oleander tea in February 1995 in an attempt to kill Mary Roberts, 86, who was in her care. Kirby later tried to suffocate Roberts by wrapping her head in plastic while she slept, according to testimony.

Her efforts were thwarted by two other roommates who lived in Roberts’ Newport Beach home.

Kirby contended she was trying to help Roberts because she believed the woman was suffering from an illness. During the trial, defense attorneys argued that Kirby, who had spent some time in a mental hospital in 1995, was mentally ill.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Bryan Kazarian said he was pleased with the sentence.

“I think it’s the proper judgment based on the facts of the case,” he said. “If she is capable of manipulating things to do harm to other people, she should go to prison.”