Current:Home > Contact-usFather arrested for setting New Orleans house fire that killed his 3 children in "domestic dispute," police say-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Father arrested for setting New Orleans house fire that killed his 3 children in "domestic dispute," police say
View Date:2024-12-23 16:39:11
The father of three children killed in a New Orleans house fire has been arrested in connection with their deaths, police said.
Joseph Washington, 29, was charged with three counts of second-degree murder, three counts of cruelty to a juvenile, and one count of aggravated arson, the New Orleans Police Department said at a news conference on Wednesday afternoon.
Investigators said the incident allegedly was the result of a domestic dispute.
Police were on the lookout for Washington's car which was discovered partially submerged in the Mississippi River on Wednesday morning, police said.
On Wednesday afternoon, authorities attempted to pull Washington over in another vehicle and when he was stopped Washington attempted to flee by jumping off the overpass, police said.
Washington was taken into custody and brought to a hospital to treat unknown injuries sustained during apprehension, according to police.
His arrest comes after authorities received a 911 call shortly before midnight on Tuesday from a mother who said the father of her children intended to burn their home down, the department's Child Abuse Unit said in a news statement.
At the time of the call the mother was on her way to the house, police said.
Moments later, a fire was reported at a single-family home in New Orleans East, according to police.
When firefighters arrived at the scene they immediately discovered two unresponsive children, a five-year-old girl and an eight-year-old boy, one a few feet from the front door and one not far away between the kitchen and the front door, police said.
"Firefighters made attempts to resuscitate both kids before both being transported to an area hospital by New Orleans Emergency Medical Services," police said.
The two children were pronounced dead an hour later, according to police.
As firefighters continued to quell the flames they discovered a third child, a 3-year-old boy, police said.
"The third child, a toddler, was found near the center of the dwelling," police said. "It was determined that the child had succumbed to injuries sustained on the scene."
The cause of death for the three children will be determined by the coroner, according to police.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, police said.
- In:
- New Orleans
- Homicide
veryGood! (851)
Related
- Georgia public universities and colleges see enrollment rise by 6%
- Everwood Actor John Beasley Dead at 79
- Could Climate Change Be the End of the ‘Third World’?
- Shooter in attack that killed 5 at Colorado Springs gay nightclub pleads guilty, gets life in prison
- Donna Kelce Includes Sweet Nod to Taylor Swift During Today Appearance With Craig Melvin
- Al Roker Makes Sunny Return to Today Show 3 Weeks After Knee Surgery
- Full transcript of Face the Nation, June 25, 2023
- New Study Shows Global Warming Increasing Frequency of the Most-Destructive Tropical Storms
- Wheel of Fortune Contestant Goes Viral Over His Hilariously Wrong Answer
- California Ranchers and Activists Face Off Over a Federal Plan to Cull a Beloved Tule Elk Herd
Ranking
- Businesses at struggling corner where George Floyd was killed sue Minneapolis
- The Best lululemon Father's Day Gifts for Every Kind of Dad
- RHONJ Reunion Teaser: Teresa Giudice Declares She's Officially Done With Melissa Gorga
- Coast Guard launches investigation into Titan sub implosion
- Georgia public universities and colleges see enrollment rise by 6%
- China, India to Reach Climate Goals Years Early, as U.S. Likely to Fall Far Short
- Maryland to Get 25% of Electricity From Renewables, Overriding Governor Veto
- Ryan Seacrest Twins With Girlfriend Aubrey Paige During Trip to France
Recommendation
-
Hurricane forecasters on alert: November storm could head for Florida
-
Succession's Sarah Snook Gives Birth, Welcomes Baby With Husband Dave Lawson
-
Ohio House Passes Bill to Roll Back Renewable Energy Standards, Again
-
Kylie Jenner Officially Kicks Off Summer With 3 White Hot Looks
-
Florida Man Arrested for Cold Case Double Murder Almost 50 Years Later
-
6 Ways Andrew Wheeler Could Reshape Climate Policy as EPA’s New Leader
-
Man killed, cruise ships disrupted after 30-foot yacht hits ferry near Miami port
-
Battered by Matthew and Florence, North Carolina Must Brace for More Intense Hurricanes