Jennel Campbell, the mother of the youth who is suspected to have started the fire at their two-storey Second Alley Hillfoot home at Linden, yesterday said that she will not be pressing for any charges against him.
Campbell, who is currently staying at a friend’s house, is hoping that her son can receive the help he needs, and possibly be admitted to a psychiatric ward. The youth has a mental illness.
Seven persons lost their home in the fire as the two-storey concrete home went up in flames around 10 pm on Sunday. The woman’s shop, which is situated at the front of the home, was undamaged.
Campbell explained that some of the other occupants of the home are residing at a sister’s house, some distance away from their former home, while her nephew is staying in the shop, so someone can be close by.
This newspaper was told that Campbell’s 22-year-old son and other family members had a disagreement earlier in the day and as a result she decided to sleep in her shop.
The woman told police that while in her shop, she heard a loud explosion and observed the lights of the house flickering. Shortly after she heard the cries of “fire” and upon checking she observed that her house was on fire.
She managed to escape from the shop. The woman’s son was reportedly seen exiting through a window from the house.
According to residents of the area, firefighters responded to the scene an hour and a half later. By then, they noted, the house was already destroyed by the fire.
Speaking with this publication, Campbell estimated her losses to be some $25 million.
Commander of Region 10 Hugh Winter said the suspect was taken into custody and the investigation remains ongoing.
So far, Campbell’s friends and another person have reached out to offer help to the family. Campbell informed this newspaper that she was encouraged to reach out to Food for the Poor, and is currently looking into the process required for assistance.
Persons who are desirous of helping the family can contact them on telephone number 638-1722.
