HOUSTON – Fifteen years ago today, a fire at a home day care in Alief claimed the lives of four young children, a tragedy that continues to resonate across Houston.
On Feb. 24, 2011, Elias Castillo, 16 months; Shomari Dickerson, 3; Elizabeth Kojah, 20 months; and Kendyll Stradford, 20 months, were killed after a fire broke out inside a home day care near Crest Park Drive. Three other children were seriously injured.
Investigators determined the fire started when a pot of grease was left heating on the stove. Court records showed the children were left alone inside the home while the caregiver, Jessica Tata, went shopping at a nearby store. Surveillance video later showed Tata inside a Target at the time the fire began…