Darlene Brister, a Georgia mother, was trying to stab kids while the house burned, police said. The father of the children had a message of compassion.
According to reports, a Georgia mother was arrested after allegedly fatally stabbing three of her children during a house fire last week.
Authorities at the Paulding County Sheriff's Office received a call last Friday around 9:30 PM about a domestic disturbance and house fire. When deputies arrived, they found a house engulfed in flames with seven children inside, two of whom were pronounced dead at the scene. Another child later succumbed to their injuries. Darlene Brister, 40, was taken into custody for the murders.
“Two juveniles were pronounced deceased on scene: a 3-year-old with multiple apparent stab wounds and 9-month-old. Three additional juveniles, ages 5, 9, and 11 were transported to local hospitals. The remaining two juveniles, ages 14 and 16 did not appear to have injuries,” the Paulding County Sheriff’s office said in a news release.
The 40-year-old mother has been charged with two counts of malice murder. Her husband and father of the three victims spoke with local news outlets following the tragedy.
“She was hurt…she was...she lost it,” said Ricky Brister. “I am hurt, but I have to be strong, that’s all I know, I have to be strong,” he said. “My children are OK. We need a place to stay more than anything right now. They need shoes, clothes, you know, stuff like that.”