Columbia, South Carolina authorities say a mother and father are accused of abandoning three young children—ages 6, 4 and 2—in a burning home while the parents hid from police nearly a mile away.
Background
The case emerged Monday evening when Columbia Police Department officers arrived at a residence on Floran Street after receiving reports of smoke. Firefighters forced their way inside and discovered flames blazing in the front section of the home, according to authorities. Inside, they found three children scattered throughout several bedrooms, officials said. The children were immediately removed from the home and treated for severe burn injuries before being transferred to Augusta Burn Center in Georgia.
Investigation
Zana Oden, 28, and Malik Locke, 21, were each charged with three counts of neglect by a legal custodian following an investigation into conditions at the Floran Street residence. Richland County jail records show Oden is held on $300,000 bond while Locke is being held on $200,000 bond.
Investigators tracked Oden to an apartment approximately one mile away on Ripplemeyer Avenue. When officers attempted to take her into custody, she allegedly evaded arrest by hiding inside a closet before being apprehended. Police say Locke, who is the father of one of the children while Oden is the mother of all three, warned Oden about police presence and knew the fire was blazing.
During a Wednesday bond hearing, prosecutors alleged the children had been left home alone for at least a week before Monday's fire. Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins described conditions inside the home as deplorable, noting that insects were rampant throughout the residence. 'There were big roaches—an army of roaches—getting all over these kids,' Jenkins said.
Authorities say the youngest child was severely malnourished and one of the children had insects in her diaper when discovered. As of Tuesday evening, all three children remained in critical but stable condition receiving specialized medical care at Augusta Burn Center.
Columbia Deputy Police Chief Melron Kelly told local media that investigators had knowledge Oden was in the area yet she made no effort to contact law enforcement or family members even after learning what occurred at her home. Additional charges remain possible according to authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Three children ages 6, 4 and 2 were found alone inside a burning Columbia, South Carolina home Monday evening
- Zana Oden (mother of all three) and Malik Locke (father of one child) each face three counts of neglect by a legal custodian
- Children suffered severe burn injuries and remain in critical but stable condition at Augusta Burn Center in Georgia
- Prosecutors allege the children were left unsupervised for at least a week before the fire occurred
- Oden was apprehended hiding inside a closet at an apartment approximately one mile from the burning home, authorities say
What's Next
Oden and Locke are awaiting further court proceedings in Richland County. Columbia police indicate additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. The three children remain under medical care while child protective services coordinate their long-term placement.
Law enforcement officials say investigators continue to piece together a timeline of events leading up to Monday's fire and the extended period authorities allege the children were left unattended.