A 9-year-old boy has been charged with deliberately setting a house fire, killing five people, including three young children.
The fire occurred on April 6 at the Timberline Mobile Home Park in Illinois, killing Kathryn Murray, 69; Jason Wall, 34; Rose Alwood, 2; Daemeon Wall, 2; and Ariel Wall, 1.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Woman Saves Baby From House Fire but Dies While Trying to Save Her Disabled Mom
9-Year-Old Boy Sets House Fire That Kills 5 Family Members
The juvenile, whose name has not been released, was charged last week with five counts of first-degree murder, two counts of arson and one count of aggravated arson, according to Woodford Country State’s Attorney Greg Minger.
Minger told the Journal Star that charging the boy was a “heavy decision.” He told the paper, “It’s a tragedy, but at the end of the day it’s charging a very young person with one of the most serious crimes we have.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Volunteer Firefighter Loses Three Children in Fire While Fighting Another Fire Nearby
The boy has ADHD, bipolar disorder and a type of schizophrenia, his mother told CBS News.
“Everyone is looking at him like he’s some kind of monster, but that’s not who he is,” his mother said. “People make mistakes, and that’s what this is. Yes, it was a horrible tragedy, but it’s still not something to throw his life away over.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: This 5-Year-Old Boy Saved 13 People from a Burning Building
His mom, who lost her two children, grandmother and niece, told the outlet, “I did lose, you know, my family too. But I forgive him. I love him no matter what.”
If the boy is convicted, he faces five years of probation.
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.