DETROIT (WWJ/AP) – A Detroit-area mother convicted of murder for setting a mobile-home fire that killed two of her children has been sentenced to life in prison.

Sharon Hinojosa was given the mandatory punishment for first-degree murder Wednesday in Wayne County Circuit Court. Judge Daniel Hathaway said the fire was “horrendous” and “heinous.”

Hinojosa, 31, had claimed the 2009 fire in Huron Township was an accident but was convicted Nov. 9. During Wednesday’s hearing, she apologized and said she loved her kids, Alayna Hinojosa, 3, and Anthony Hinojosa, 4.

She said, “I’m mourning too.”

Authorities said she intentionally set a fire that trapped and killed her 4-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter in their home, at Huron Estates Mobile Home Park near Inkster and King roads, to improve her relationship with a boyfriend.

Police said Hinojosa fled with another child, a 1-year-old boy.

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