San Diego man convicted for fire that killed his 2 children

A San Diego man whose two children died in a fire at their home has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

Prosecutors say Henry Lopez fell asleep with a lit cigarette, sparking a fire in his Rancho Bernardo home in 2017. His 10-year-old son, Cristos, died from burns and his 7-year-old daughter, Isabella, died from smoke inhalation.

KGTV-TV says Lopez's attorney contended a defective cellphone, not a cigarette, was the likely cause of the blaze.

In addition to manslaughter, Lopez was found guilty of child endangerment and recklessly causing a fire causing great bodily injury.

He could be sentenced to more than 16 ½ years in prison.