Many questions in death of 3 Kzoo kids

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - Though investigators are not yet sure how the apartment fire began that killed three young children in Kalamazoo Monday afternoon, it appears their mother left her boyfriend in charge of the kids.

"It appears that that is the case right now, however, I like to preface that by saying we're getting a lot of conflicting information from various people," Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Assistant Chief Brian Uridge told 24 Hour News 8.

Two 3-year-old fraternal twins, Teniyah Williams and Tevin Williams Jr., and 1-year-old Tyonna Henderson died in the fire at the Interfaith Apartments on the north side of the city.

Two children were found downstairs and one upstairs. A fourth child, a 4-year-old girl, escaped the burning building.

Uridge said investigators are interviewing family members, witnesses and neighbors and likely won't know for a few more days how or where the fire began.

Family member Auzhnae Benjamin has many questions, but is struggling to understand what happened.

"Three innocent children. It should not have happened like that," she said. "The toughest part is knowing they are not coming back."

During the next few days of mourning, the family members will continue to have questions.

"I hope they are looking down at us," Benjamin said. "We love and miss them, and we care about them so much."

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The 4-year-old girl who survived the fire is in need of clothes and toys, according to Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell's Facebook page.

Hopewell's page says the girl wears size 3T clothes, size 9 shoes and a size 4T coat. Toys, educational games and clothes can be dropped off at the Mothers of Hope office located inside the Douglass Community Association at 1000 W. Paterson St.

Hopewell says those who would like to drop off cooked food or beverage can text City Commissioner Stephanie Moore at 269.760.5969.

Financial contributions may be made to the Northside Ministerial Alliance to aid the mother of the victims and the three families displaced by the fire, Hopewell said.