Jury Convicts Del City Father Of Child Neglect

Jurors have convicted a Del City man charged with child neglect and drug possession after the burning deaths of his three children.

Christopher Dunham was convicted of three felony counts of child neglect and three drug-related charges, including possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. His three children -- Christopher, 4, Crystal, 3, and Kaylee, 1 – were killed in January of 2011 when the recreational vehicle they were living in caught fire.

The jury recommended Dunham be sentenced to 18 years for each child neglect conviction, and be fined $5,000 for each child. A judge will formally sentence him on June 26.

The jury began their deliberations Thursday. They met for more than six hours before announcing their verdict on Friday morning.

The prosecution said Dunham and his wife, Stephanie, cared more about drugs than their children. Drug residue was found inside the burned-out RV, and investigators said Christopher Dunham admitted to using marijuana. Stephanie Dunham tested positive for methamphetamine right after the fatal fire.

Stephanie Dunham has pleaded no contest to the charges against her. A judge will sentence her in July.

5/10/12 Related Story: Jury Deliberations Resume Friday In Christopher Dunham Trial