Neighbor Charged After Illegal Firework Kills 7-Year-Old Boy In Dunn Apartment Fire
DUNN, N.C. — A Dunn woman has been charged after investigators determined an illegal firework ignited an apartment fire that claimed the life of a 7-year-old boy during the Independence Day weekend.
The Dunn Police Department announced Tuesday that Brittany Raquel Armstrong, 35, has been charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, felony burning of certain buildings and misdemeanor possession of pyrotechnics in connection with Saturday night’s fatal fire at Ashbrooke Apartments on East Pope Street.
The victim, Cashmere Elijah Parker, became trapped inside his family’s apartment as flames and smoke quickly spread through the building. According to the Dunn Daily Record, investigators said the child attempted to escape through a ground-floor window but was unable to open it. He reportedly went to find something to break the glass so an adult outside could help him escape but was overcome by smoke and heat.
Authorities said the child died inside the apartment.
During a Tuesday news conference, investigators said the fire was caused by an illegal “cake-style” multi-shot firework that malfunctioned after it was not properly stabilized. According to the Dunn Daily Record, investigators reviewed video evidence showing the firework tipped over and began firing horizontally instead of into the air. One of the projectiles traveled approximately 100 feet before entering the Parker family’s apartment through a window, igniting the fire.
Harnett County Fire Marshal Rodney Daniels said fireworks of that type should be secured with bricks, stakes or sand to prevent them from tipping over.
Dunn Police Chief Lynn Gay said the tragedy demonstrates the dangers posed by illegal fireworks, which are prohibited in North Carolina.
“These fireworks are illegal in North Carolina,” Gay said. “They should never have been lit without a proper professional pyrotechnician. There are other ways to celebrate the Fourth of July than this.”
Gay called the fire an avoidable tragedy.
“It penetrated that window. It caught that apartment on fire and someone died,” Gay said. “Moreover, a 7-year-old child died.”
“We can replace buildings, but we cannot replace that child,” he added. “The message is clear. Do not do these types of things, because there are consequences for your actions.”
Investigators said the management of Ashbrooke Apartments warned residents before the holiday that fireworks and outdoor grills were prohibited on the property.
Armstrong was arrested Tuesday at a Holiday Inn Express in Fayetteville. She was given a $75,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear Wednesday in Harnett County District Court.
Cashmere was preparing to enter first grade this fall at Plain View Elementary School.
In a message shared with the school community, Principal Beth Elmore remembered the young boy as “our sunshine on a cloudy day.”
“He was a hugger,” Elmore wrote. “When Kash hugged you, he had a way of bringing comfort and peace, reminding us that sometimes the greatest acts of kindness require no words at all.”
Elmore said Cashmere loved to sing praise songs throughout the school day and often ended each afternoon by telling school staff he loved them before boarding the bus.
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The justice system will make a mother a criminal over something that could have happened to anyone but the people who make the rules and own everything can freely have the pick of the litter when it comes to children and not so much as get charged.
You are so right (Tiredofbeingaslave) and spoken the truth of why this lady/mother is being over charged and this incident should have been deemed as just an accident that could have happened to anyone? If only this has been a lady/mother of another race that had made this accidental situation that could have happened to anyone we would have gained nationwide attention and the famous civil rights lawyer Mr. Ben Crump would be in NC filing law suits against the town, police department, and apartment owners for not enforcing fireworks laws? Our streets would be full of mostly peaceful/partly violent protesters showing how much that young minority life was worth and how could any district attorney justify only manslaughter charges and not second degree or first degree murder? (Tiredofbeingaslave) we are with you and we also ask why things could had not been different so this child’s life would had been fully valued as any other child’s life should be, by you (Tiredofbeingaslave)?
Dunn Police Chief Lynn Gay said the tragedy demonstrates the dangers posed by (illegal fireworks), which (are prohibited) in North Carolina. Did you read the article that was released by the Dunn News concerning this terrible tragedy?
What Brittany Raquel Armstrong did was (not an accident) according the laws that govern the uses of fireworks in North Carolina. Why did the authorities determine that?
Here’s why:
1. The fireworks that Armstrong used were (illegal) in North Carolina and were prohibited according to Dunn Police Chief Lynn Gay.
2. The apartment complex, according to the Dunn News, stated that the Ashbrooke Apartments had warned their residents not to be using fireworks on the property.
Armstrong (knowingly) ignored both the North Carolina state laws that govern the uses of fireworks and the Ashbrooke Apartments warning that no fireworks were
to be used on their property.
Did Amrsrong (willfully) and (intentionally) mean for the child to die in that fire? No, I don’t think she meant for Cashmere Elijah Parker to die.
Now, the legal system will determine her fate in trial proceedings. Armstrong should be convicted of involuntary manslaughter (Class F felony) and a legal fireworks violation (Class 2 misdemeanor) for what happened. And Armstrong could also face from 12 to 47 months in prison and a fine for what she did (if) she has no priors.
Again, the real tragedy from all of this is that because of what Armstrong knowingly did. I feel sorry for the little Cashmere Elijah Parker, Armstrong, his parents and all those who knew him. Such a very sad story.
Let’s look at the facts – Armstrong set off ILLEGAL fireworks even though they were prohibited at the apartment complex. Laws and rules are set in order to protect us. Armstrong broke the law and the apartment rules. A child is DEAD because of her disregard of the law and rule that would have prevented his death. Shame on her and shame on you for defending her.
Say what? You make no sense.
Every year, the laws are broken by people using illegal fireworks all over the county. I fear my house may be burned down every year by my own neighbors. Nothing is done about it until a tragedy occurs. We should be actively pursuing and charging people who openly violate the law at all times. We have adopted the notion that it is a new normal to disregard the law and look the other way. This infraction is not the only example. The same thing goes on with people using their cell phones openly while driving. Too many accidents are caused by this action, but we just turn our heads away and let it happen. Why do we have laws we do not enforce or take seriously? Ask yourself that!