JAVARIS and JARIYAH MEAKENS (deceased) and 2 UNNAMED BOYS - 2, 3, 4 and 7 yo/Charged: Mother; Tatiana Meakens and Aunt; Britany Meakens - Chicago IL

Mom, aunt charged in deaths of kids in Chicago apartment fire

3 hours ago • Associated Press

CHICAGO • Two women are facing charges in the deaths of two children who were home alone when a fire broke out.

Police say four children were in the apartment in Chicago's West Englewood neighborhood when the fire started early Saturday morning. Javaris Meakens, 2, and 3-year-old Jariyah Meakens, 3, died. Two boys, ages 7 and 4, were able to escape.

The children's mother, Tatiana Meakens, 23, and their aunt, Britany Meakens, 22, each are charged with two counts of felony child endangerment and two counts of endangering the life and health of a child. They're scheduled to appear in court Monday.

Police say a hot plate being used for heat in the first-floor apartment may have started the fire. Fire officials say they found no working smoke detectors in the building.

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/illinois/mom-aunt-charged-in-deaths-of-kids-in-chicago-apartment/article_d2931764-98dc-557f-9289-bcbf8c2c6811.html