Mom Charged in Fire That Killed Daughters

Cameron, N.C. — Authorities on Monday charged a Sanford woman in the fire that claimed the lives of two of her three daughters earlier this month.

Echo Tonisha Simmons, 24, faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of misdemeanor child abuse. She could serve almost five years in jail for each count of involuntary manslaughter if convicted.

She was arrested Monday morning and released on $5,000 secured bond. Simmons refused to comment on the charges against her as she left court.

According to reports, Simmons' three girls, all under 7, were alone in the mobile home when the fire started around 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 at the Overlook Mobile Home Park at 40 Mallie Drive.

Simmons had left them home alone for a few minutes, Harnett County sheriff's officials said. She was taking her mother to her home, approximately 2 miles away.

Arianna Squires-Simmons, 3, and Kaliyah Simmons, 20 months, died. Their sister, Janaya Squires, 6, tried to save them, according to Robert Davis Jr., who said he witnessed the fire and tried to help.

Davis said he noticed that the mobile home behind his was covered in smoke and flames. He then saw Janaya stumbling out the front door, he said.

Janaya wanted to go back inside to save her two younger sisters, Davis said, so he ran into the burning home to try to save them.

Davis said the fire forced him back before he could reach the two girls.

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Latest Comments

Rev RB, you make alot of sense.

memonster
February 26, 2008 5:43 p.m.

"...but the praying does nothing, too late for that."

None of us knows that truly. Personally, I believe it's never too late for prayer.

God bless.

Rev. RB

Spirit Warrior Woman - Rev. RB
February 26, 2008 4:20 p.m.

Another question to everyone saying she's had punishment: When did feeling remorse become a punishment in the U.S. justice system? I've heard of it helping at parole hearings, but never have I heard a judge say " oh, you wish it hadn't happenedthat's enough, go home" The reason for this is that no one truly knows what is in another's heart, but that person. She could act torn up and not care, or act like she doesn't care, and be torn up, therefore we just don't count it for anything in our justice system, meaning in our justice system she should be tried. Another thing that everyone seems to be ignoring: much more will come out in the trial. Trying her doesn't mean she will go to jail. If she really truly is as innocent as some people are saying here, it will come out in the trial and she will get off. There is a difference between trial and conviction, and when children are involved, there should pretty much always be an investigation/trial. Better safe than sorry.

uncw05
February 26, 2008 3:17 p.m.

DataClerk: I stated that in more than one of my earlier post, I know we can't know what is going on in our head, but it is because we don't know if she cares one bit about the fact that 2 daughters have died that we have to act in the interest of keeping something like this from happening to the 3rd daughter. That means pressing charges. It could be that she learned her lesson and is totally sorry, but I would hate to assume that and then see something happen to the remaining daughter.

uncw05
February 26, 2008 3:01 p.m.

uncw05: Just wanted you to know everyone do not grieve the same way. Many people wants everyone to grieve like they do. I don't cry just because you want me to. You don't have to see a tear to let you know I am grieving. I believe sincerely the mother is grieving in her own way. It is none of you business how she grieves. Lord Help these people.

Dr. Dataclerk
February 26, 2008 2:48 p.m.