Neighbor charged after NC 7-year-old Cashmere Parker died in fire started by illegal fireworks
DUNN, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Dunn Police and Fire departments have revealed new details about their investigation into an apartment fire that killed a 7-year-old boy and seriously injured his stepfather on the 4th of July.
The boy who died in the fire was identified as Cashmere Elijah Parker. His stepfather is still in the hospital being treated for his fire-related injuries.
A neighbor is facing charges related to the boy's death. Dunn police say Brittany Armstrong is charged with involuntary manslaughter. They also said the fireworks that started the fire on Saturday night are illegal in North Carolina. Additionally, police said it was cake-style fireworks and they are still investigating where the fireworks were purchased.
Armstrong hasn't turned herself in, police say.
The fire left 13 people without a home. According to property management, the fire destroyed four apartment units in the Ashbroke Apartments complex.
"Rules are put in place to prevent tragedies such as this," a property employee said, who has worked at Ashbroke Apartments for more than a decade. The employee, who did not wish to be identified by name, was one of the first to call 911.
The fire occurred just three days after property management delivered letters to every door, reminding residents that grills and fireworks were banned on the premises.
The Red Cross is assisting families as they recover.
