Mother charged in death of 3 children

The mother of three children killed in an apartment fire has been charged with three counts of child endangerment.

Authorities say Charlene D. Cheatem has admitted to leaving her children alone in the apartment.

Police spokeswoman Officer Laura Kubiak said Friday the 24-year-old Cheatem had taken an older daughter to school that morning and then went to visit a sick uncle who lived nearby.

The Cook County medical examiner's office identified the victims as 3-year-old Sharell Gates, 2-year-old Tyrel Gates and 7-month-old Jimmy Gates. Authorities say their bodies were found in a top-floor bedroom where the flames broke out.

Another brother remained hospitalized Friday at University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital.

Authorities say an investigation into the cause of the fire continues.