Alabama man convicted in deaths of 2 young children

MOBILE, Ala. - A man accused of killing his two young children and burying them in Alabama and Mississippi has been convicted of capital murder.

John DeBlase was convicted Wednesday after a 10-day trial. DeBlase and his common-law wife Heather Keaton have each blamed each other for the killings of DeBlase's 4-year-old daughter Natalie and his 3-year-old son Chase. Keaton will be tried separately.

DeBlase's attorneys argued that Keaton's harsh discipline tactics lead to the children's deaths, but prosecutors said DeBlase likely killed the children to end their suffering.

Local media outlets reported that 31-year-old DeBlase showed little emotion as the jury's verdict was read.

DeBlase faces either life in prison or the death penalty and is likely to be sentenced Thursday or Friday.