Deadly Southern Pines Fire Claims Third Victim

Crews responded to the fire at the home on South Glover Street at 2:43 a.m.

Southern Pines Fire Chief Ricky Baker said Latrice McNeill died atthe scene of smoke inhalation. Her son, Eric, was taken to FirstHealthMoore Regional Hospital, where he died.

The 12-year-old daughter, Randa, died Monday night. She was being treated at Duke University Medical Center.

Herbert McNeill escaped the single-family, one-story home fire through a window without injury.

Baker said the fire originated in the chimney, where a wood stove was being used. He said there were no working fire detectors in the home.

"It's going to be a lost for everybody," said Lenolia Holmes, Latrice's mother. "I prayed and said, 'Lord, I know you are strong and I want you to make me strong.'"

Baker said it appeared the mother was trying to rescue the children after smelling smoke; all three were found in one bedroom.