Aunt gets 5 years in deadly Chicago fire
The aunt of two children who died in a Chicago apartment fire has been sentenced to five years in prison.
Authorities said 22-year-old Britany Meakens pleaded guilty Friday to two felony counts of child endangerment. Judge Diane Cannon sentenced her. Prosecutors said Britany Meakens and 23-year-old Tatiana Meakens left four children alone in an apartment with space heaters and a hot plate while they went to a party.
Two-year-old Javaris Meakens and 3-year-old Jariyah Meakens died in the December blaze. The coroner said both children died from carbon-monoxide intoxication and inhaling smoke and soot.
Tatiana Meakens is the mother of the children who died. She is awaiting trial and held in the Cook County jail.
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