Detectives
say a 23-month-old child was killed and three other people were injured in
a fire at a home in Gordon Heights.
The victim was identified as Majesty Gerald. She would have
been 2 years old next weekend.
Suffolk
police say nine members of an extended family live at the home on Maple
Lane. Two adults and the toddler’s older sister, 4-year-old Jazae, went to
the hospital. A member of the Medford Fire Department was also injured.
Family
members say it was Jazae who alerted the rest of the family to the early
morning fire and someone inside the home called the authorities.
Detective
Lt. Kevin Beyer says the incident “does not appear criminal” and that the
ultimate cause would be determined by the Arson Squad.
News
12 was outside the home as family members grieved the loss of the child.
“I
dropped the phone and started hollering and crying because I don't know this
kind of pain,” says Terry Coleman, her great uncle. “I've never felt it
before.”
The American Red Cross has arrived to assist the
family. A
GoFundMe page has also been set up for the family.
Outside the home in Gordon Heights, 3/10/21
Fire damage on Maple Lane, 3/10/21