Police say mom, boyfriend caused toddler's death in fire

GREELEY, Colo. (AP) - The stories involving how long and under what circumstances a Greeley toddler was alone before the trailer she was in burned on Saturday night differ significantly from those involved, according to police affidavits.

According to court records, 27-year-old Kristen Braig and her boyfriend, 34-year-old Dustin Blanchard, face charges of child abuse for criminal negligence resulting in death.

Authorities said 3-year-old Lileigh Kellenaeras suffered burn wounds to over 60 percent of her body and died of her injuries.

Greeley police said the mother told them she went to find her boyfriend at a neighbor's trailer after dumping some trash and returned to find her home on fire after she was gone for only five minutes.

She said she tried to rescue her daughter and was driven back by the flames. The woman said two candles were left burning in the front rooms that may have caused the fire.

Blanchard told police he and Braig were on the front porch smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol for about 15 minutes while the girl slept inside. Blanchard said he went to visit a neighbor for about 10 minutes and returned to find smoke coming from the trailer. He said he and a neighbor ran into the burning home, grabbed the child and threw her outside.

Blanchard said the fire could have started after he tacked a bandanna over a light in the living room ceiling while watching a movie.

Braig and Blanchard were injured in the fire and were treated at a hospital.

Bond was set at $40,000 for Blanchard and $10,000 for Braig. Both are scheduled to appear in court Feb. 3. Court documents did not list an attorney's name for either.