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.