This story is beyond tragic. We are sad to report that two toddlers are dead after mom leaves them home alone to get her nails done.
A Louisiana mother, Ciarra Johnson has been charged with two-counts of negligent homicide after leaving her two children, Tashae Thompson Johnson, 4, and Clifton Thompson Johnson, 3, alone in their two-bedroom home that went up into flames.
At the time of the children’s death, Johnson had been getting her hair and nails done at a local beauty parlor.
Johnson, however claims that she made arrangements for a neighbor to watch the children.
But according to the State Fire Marshal Deputy Chief Brant Thompson there is no evidence to corroborate Johnson’s story.
“Our investigation determined that she made no such arrangements,” Thompson told USA TODAY. “That’s what is so disturbing to us. There were family members around she could have called, but she just didn’t bother.”
Thompson said that the fire was called in shortly after 3 p.m. Monday. Johnson, 21, told authorities she had left for a 1:30 p.m. appointment. Investigators determined she actually had left the children alone since 10 a.m. that day.
Johnson, who was found locked in her car at the scene, said two gas space heaters were operating in the home when she left, Thompson said. When she returned, the single-family, wood-framed structure was engulfed in flames. Investigators also determined that the cause of the fire was the close proximity of flammable materials to a space heater, Thompson said.
Johnson has since been taken into custody awaiting a hearing and sentencing.
