Man charged in wife’s death at home where twin girls were found

A Pompano Beach man is charged with killing his wife at their apartment while young twin girls were inside.

Kathi Blankenberg, 35, was shot dead about 5:15 a.m. Monday at Palm Aire Gardens North, in the 600 block of Gardens Drive.

Philip Edwards, 31, is facing charges of second-degree murder, illegal possession of a gun by a convicted felon and two counts of child neglect. He is being without bond.

The twin girls, less than 1 year old, were not hurt and were placed with the Department of Children & Families. The girls are related to Blankenberg, said officials with the Broward Sheriff ’s Office who did not confirm how. It’s also unclear if they are related to Edwards.

The girls’ welfare did come up during Edwards’ first court appearance Tuesday morning. “What’s up with my two daughters?” Edwards asked. “Are those going to my parents?”

Judge Corey Amanda Cawthon replied that the issue would not be determined at that hearing. She also ordered Edwards to have no contact with the two children or any witnesses. Edwards initially told police he found his wife dead in their apartment. He was arrested Monday night.

Police found several firearms, including what they say was the murder weapon, in Edwards’ Mercedes Benz parked outside the apartment.

Edwards has previously been convicted on various charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, burglary and grand theft, according to court documents.