AN arrest has been made after four girls aged seven and under died in a horrific house fire.
The dad of victims Kalani, 7, Kendall, 5, Josephina, 3, and Sophia Melvin, 2, said his “heart is shattered” after their home erupted into flames on August 30.
First responders raced to the home in Columbus County, North Carolina, about two and a half hours southeast of Charlotte, nine minutes after being called, but the fire had already engulfed the property.
An 11-year-old and another child were able to escape, but the other four were trapped inside, and it was too dangerous for crews to enter, the Henry County Sheriff’s office said.
On Wednesday, the victims’ mom Reagan Noelle Powers, 28, was arrested and accused of leaving her children to fend for themselves when the fire broke out, cops said.
Authorities say the 11-year-old was babysitting without any other adult supervision when they died.
While the exact cause of the fire has not been determined, investigators said there was no evidence that it was arson.
In a statement, Henry County Sheriff Bill Rogers and Columbus County Fire Marshal Shannon Blackman described the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy.”
“We ask that everyone join together in support of the family and loved ones affected by this devastating loss,” they wrote.
“The thoughts and prayers of our agencies are with them during this extremely difficult time.”
Patrick Ellis, the father of the four girls, said in a statement, “My heart is shattered beyond words at the loss of my daughters,” ABC and CBS affiliate WWAY reported.
Devastating videos taken by the local outlet after the fire show abandoned toys strewn on the lawn beside the singed home.
Neighbors in the community have set up a makeshift memorial outside the property and asked for prayers.
On Thursday, Henry County Sheriff’s Office announced it had partnered with NBA star Shaquille O’Neal to provide a joint donation to the grieving family.
Officials said the gift “fully covers the expenses associated with honoring the girls” and lifts “financial burden.”
“As a father my heart is broken for the Ellis family,” said O’Neal, according to NBC affiliate WECT.
“What I can offer is love, support, and a promise that their lives will not be forgotten.”
More than 100 people showed up for a memorial service on Tuesday to pay their respects.
In a heartwrenching obituary, the girls were remembered as “bright lights who brought joy to everyone around them.”
“Kalani loved sunsets, Kendall adored rainbows, Josie never turned down pizza, and Sophia’s favorite was watching Bluey,” the obituary reads.
Key facts in the case
KEY FACTS IN THE TRAGEDY:
- Victims: Four sisters — Kalani, Kendall, Josephina, Sophia, all under 7
- Escape: 11-year-old sibling and her sister made it out alive
- Charges: Mom, Reagan Noelle Powers, faces 4 counts manslaughter + 4 counts child abuse
- Bond: Released on $400,000 bond within an hour of arrest
- Community Response: Vigils, memorials, and $15K+ raised on GoFundMe
- Celebrity Help: Shaquille O’Neal promises support to grieving father
The sisters loved playing outside, singing, dancing, and “sharing their favorite treats of strawberries and grapes.”
“They loved their church, their friends, and their family deeply, and though their time here was far too short, their love and light will forever shine in the hearts of all who knew them,” the obituary states.
A GoFundMe was started for the family, and it has raised over $15,000.
In the fundraiser, the organizer asked for help easing financial burdens and said, “No parent, sibling, or family member can ever be prepared for this kind of loss.”
Powers was charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter and four counts of felony child abuse causing serious injury.
She was booked into Columbus County Detention Center, but was released just an hour later on a $400,000 bond.
In her bond hearing, the judge said that she could face 59 months for each count of involuntary manslaughter and 88 months for negligent child abuse.
A makeshift memorial was created for the little girls[/caption]
