FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 10/20/09) The District Attorney has decided not to file charges against the mother who left her toddlers home alone Monday.
Three year-old Ladareon Dunn died from his injuries after he and his two year-old brother were left locked in their home alone. The two year-old continues to fight for his life at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center.
Relatives say 23-year-old Melanie Dunn left the house for an hour to run errands and go shopping, and that this was not the first time she had left the toddlers home alone.
In defense, the victims' great aunt Marilyn Wilson said they have "not often" left the children home alone, but had done it without incident earlier in the day. "We had left this morning whole we went to the food stamp office. We got back and everything was alright. "
Child experts say the family was just lucky tragedy didn't strike before. "A lot of times, it's just people making poor choices," says Kelli Grissom with the Memphis Child Advocacy Center. "They know better."
Sunday Taylor lived in the adjoining apartment of the duplex. When she smelled smoke, she ran next door, concerned about the small children. Grief has consumed her and she says many questions may never be answered.
"It's killing me, I didn't sleep last night," says Taylor. "They're a loving family. She loves her children just like any other mother."
A memorial of Teddy bears has grown outside the house as public outrage continues to grow. Fire investigators were back at 1240-1242 Effie on Tuesday, while Code Enforcement officers declared the duplex dangerous. The two year-old is in state care by Department of Children's Services case workers. A five-year-old boy, who was not home at the time, is being cared for by relatives.
Child experts say by law, everyone is required to call authorities if they suspect a child has been neglected or abused. If you suspect a child could be in danger, call the Department of Children's Services Hotline at (877)237-0004.
- Police have not charged mother for leaving her toddlers home alone
- 3-year-old Ladareon Dunn died, 2-year-old brother in critical condition after fire
- 23-year-old mother, Melanie Dunn, left children home alone to shop
(Memphis 10/20/09) The District Attorney has decided not to file charges against the mother who left her toddlers home alone Monday.
Three year-old Ladareon Dunn died from his injuries after he and his two year-old brother were left locked in their home alone. The two year-old continues to fight for his life at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center.
Relatives say 23-year-old Melanie Dunn left the house for an hour to run errands and go shopping, and that this was not the first time she had left the toddlers home alone.
In defense, the victims' great aunt Marilyn Wilson said they have "not often" left the children home alone, but had done it without incident earlier in the day. "We had left this morning whole we went to the food stamp office. We got back and everything was alright. "
Child experts say the family was just lucky tragedy didn't strike before. "A lot of times, it's just people making poor choices," says Kelli Grissom with the Memphis Child Advocacy Center. "They know better."
Sunday Taylor lived in the adjoining apartment of the duplex. When she smelled smoke, she ran next door, concerned about the small children. Grief has consumed her and she says many questions may never be answered.
"It's killing me, I didn't sleep last night," says Taylor. "They're a loving family. She loves her children just like any other mother."
A memorial of Teddy bears has grown outside the house as public outrage continues to grow. Fire investigators were back at 1240-1242 Effie on Tuesday, while Code Enforcement officers declared the duplex dangerous. The two year-old is in state care by Department of Children's Services case workers. A five-year-old boy, who was not home at the time, is being cared for by relatives.
Child experts say by law, everyone is required to call authorities if they suspect a child has been neglected or abused. If you suspect a child could be in danger, call the Department of Children's Services Hotline at (877)237-0004.
