N.C. grandfather and mother arrested after 2 children die in house fire

BOSTIC, N.C. (TCD) -- A grandfather and mother were recently indicted by a grand jury after two small children they cared for died in a house fire.

According to a news release from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, on Jan. 13 at approximately 9:58 a.m., fire departments and EMS responded to a house fire call at 185 Bostic/Sunshine Highway. At the scene, authorities were reportedly met by John Littlejohn, who said there were "children inside."

Inside the back bedroom of the home, the Sheriff’s Office said firemen found two children, 3-year-old Niya Littlejohn and 2-year-old Nasir Littlejohn. They were transported to a hospital, where they were reportedly pronounced dead.

The children were allegedly living in the home with their mother, Jontae Littlejohn, and their grandfather, John Littlejohn. On the morning of the fire, John Littlejohn reportedly took Jontae Littlejohn to work as he normally did, leaving the children unattended.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, investigators believe the fire began near the living room couch, but the cause of the fire is unconfirmed and is still under investigation.

On Jan. 30, the Sheriff’s Office said the mother and grandfather were indicted by a grand jury on charges of involuntary manslaughter and felony child abuse.

John Littlejohn was served with his indictments, and his bond was reportedly set at $45,000.

MORE:

• Two Indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter, and Felony Child Abuse after House fire takes lives of two children — Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office