A Nevada mother is facing charges after the death of her 3-year-old daughter in a tragic house fire earlier this week.
Authorities said that 23-year-old Samantha Paulino left her 3-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son unattended at their South Carson City home on Tuesday and went to register in college classes.
During her absence, flames caught the house at around noon; firefighters arrived minutes later to find the residence “engulfed” in fire and smoke.
Police officers at the scene were informed that two children may be inside the burning home. Neighbors added that the toddlers were “often” left unattended by their mom.
Firefighters managed to get the kids out of the home. Both children were unresponsive with the 3-year-old girl dying shortly later before arriving at the hospital.
The surviving child was listed in serious condition but is expected to recover.
Paulino returned home while firefighters were extinguishing the flames and was arrested at the scene for child abuse and neglect.
Her charges were later upgraded to open murder and child abuse causing substantial bodily harm.
