In March 1987, Newton took out $50,000 life insurance policies on Adrian, Farrah and herself. A policy already existed on Alton's life. Newton admitted taking a gun with her to her husband's apartment on the night of the killings, but she said she took it for protection and that her family members were alive when she left.
Newton filed insurance claims on April 21, 1987, and was arrested and charged with capital murder the next day.