Florida firefighters responding to a November 20 apartment fire say they discovered a deceased woman, a baby, and three critically injured children inside the unit.
According to the Miami Herald, at around midnight, the Daytona Beach Fire Department responded to emergency calls about heavy smoke coming from inside an apartment at 1200 Bellville in Daytona Beach.
First responders rushed the children to the hospital, where the infant was pronounced dead. The two children are currently in critical condition.
On Tuesday, Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young confirmed that an adult female and an infant found in the apartment are deceased. The baby was reportedly in cardiac arrest when the fire department arrived, while the woman was “stabbed multiple times.”
“I’m sad to report that the mother is deceased. With regards to the three children, their ages are a 1-year-old, a 4-year-old, and a 5-year-old,” Young said.
“The 1-year-old was transported to (the hospital) but is also deceased. The 4- and the 5-year-old are over at (another hospital) receiving treatment, but they are still alive, but in critical condition.”
DBFD fought a structure fire at 1200 Beville at 12am. Heavy smoke upon arrival. Found 3 children and 1 adult in the apartment. The infant was in cardiac arrest the adult was deceased. State Fire Marshall was called to investigate.
— DaytonaBeachFireDept (@DaytonaBeachFD) November 21, 2023
Daytona Beach Fire Department Lt. Antwan Lewis told Fox 35 that it appears that someone intentionally started the fire and that “two points of origin” were found. Police are currently treating the case as a homicide investigation.
USA Today identified the woman as a 30-year-old, but police have not released her identity.
“This is a horrific incident. We are literally two days out from a holiday that centers around family, and this is what we’re here dealing with this morning,” Young added.
This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Shutterstock]
