Orgal Opata of Charlotte, charged with murder after her two toddlers died in a Sunday house fire with no adult at home, was also charged with child neglect four months ago in connection with leaving her children home alone, court records show.
Opata’s two youngest sons, Gabriel and Josiah Hawthorne died in the Sunday house fire that authorities say was accidental, caused by a bedroom’s kerosene heater. Neighbors who heard screams of “Mommy! Mommy!” helped the boys’ seven-year-old sister and four-year-old brother escape.
There were no adults in the house, police said. Police arrested Opata later, but haven’t said where she was at the time of the fire or her arrest. Charges on Sunday included two counts of murder and three counts of reckless/gross felony child abuse.
