TRUMANN, Ark. (AP) — Trumann police say a fire that killed a 13-month-old boy and injured three others has been ruled an accident, and they don’t expect any criminal charges to be filed.
Police Chief Tony Rusher says results of the department’s investigation into the Jan. 27 blaze have been submitted to the Poinsett County Prosecuting Attorney’s office.
Blake Pierce, his twin brother, Drake; 3-year-old brother Robert and a 17-year-old babysitter were at their home when the fire broke out about noon. Rusher has said a mattress may have caught fire.
Neighbors helped emergency responders pull the children out the burning residence, but Blake was pronounced dead at a hospital. Police say Blake died of smoke inhalation.
Investigators say no sign of foul play or traces of accelerants were found at the scene.
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