Pennsylvania mother charged after Erie house fire killed three children trapped inside apartment
Three children died after firefighters responding to a house fire allegedly struggled to reach them inside a barricaded apartment.
Firefighters responding to a deadly house fire in Pennsylvania were allegedly blocked from reaching three trapped children while their mother was away “to facilitate a drug transaction”, investigators claim.
New court documents reveal emergency crews arriving at the burning home in Erie on March 29 struggled to access the upstairs apartment because a mattress had been wedged inside the stairwell and a couch was blocking the doorway at the top of the stairs.
By the time firefighters managed to force their way into the apartment through another entrance and rescue the children, all three had suffered catastrophic injuries.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Two children died the same day, while a third child later died in hospital.
Authorities have since charged the children’s mother, Danozjna Shalita Marjie Williams, over the deaths of her children, five-year-old Tobias Ya’Shan Lee Huff, three-year-old Da’Liyla Lelona Huff and five-month-old Amirah Al-Mansouri.
Williams has been charged with third-degree murder, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person.
People have revealed that investigators allege Williams left the children home alone while she travelled to facilitate a drug deal. Court documents cited by local outlet Erie News Now allege surveillance footage contradicted her original statement to police that she had only been gone for five minutes to visit Walmart.
However, it has since been reported that evidence showed she has been away from the apartment for about 50 minutes.
Authorities also examined alleged phone conversations between Williams and incarcerated man Tyler Huff, the father of two of the children. According to court filings, Williams allegedly discussed travelling to Corry for “300”, while another witness later claimed she planned to purchase heroin or fentanyl.
She has not been charged with drug offences as part of the case.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
The children’s deaths devastated the local community, with their obituaries painting a heartbreaking picture of their personalities and close family bond.
“Tobias was a very helpful, crazy, funny 5-year-old. He loved being a big brother. He always wanted to make somebody feel loved by doing anything to make them smile,” his obituary read.
His family said the young boy loved Sonic the Hedgehog so much that blue became his favourite colour.
Da’Liyla was remembered as a fearless and outspoken little girl who “always told you how she felt.”
“She also loved to dance. Da’Liyla would call everyone her ‘best friend,’ and to her, everyone was her best friend,” her obituary said.
Amirah, just five months old, was remembered as a constantly smiling baby who loved watching her older brother dance.
“Amirah was just born but had so much joy to bring. She was always happy and smiling, there was never a time she wasn’t,” her family wrote.
Williams has been denied bail. Court records do not indicate whether she has entered pleas or retained a lawyer.
If you or someone you know needs help, phone SANE Australia Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).
