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St. Paul FD: Unattended candle is likely what caused fatal fire
The 4 children have been identified as 5-year-old twin girls Sivntxhi Vang and Ntshiab Si Vang, 4-year-old boy, Muaj Tshav Ntaj Vang, and 1-year-old boy, Muaj Vang.
ST PAUL, Minn. — Fire officials say an unattended candle most likely caused the fire that led to the deaths of four children, according to the St. Paul Fire Department.
The report is not yet final, but fire officials said in a press release Thursday that the investigation pointed to an unattended candle, and more information will be released at a press conference Saturday morning.
The four children have been identified as 5-year-old twin girls Sivntxhi Vang and Ntshiab Si Vang, 4-year-old boy, Muaj Tshav Ntaj Vang, and 1-year-old boy, Muaj Vang.
At a news conference last week, Pa Cheng Vang, the children’s father, said he was grateful for the community’s support since the fire broke out early on Wednesday, Jan. 3. He was at work at the time.
The children’s 28-year-old mother remains hospitalized in critical condition, Vang said. Two other children also remain hospitalized, but their conditions have improved.
The children’s mother is also at high risk of not surviving, according to a post on a GoFundMe created by the family. The GoFundMe has far exceeded the family’s goal of $350,000 as of Thursday, with more than $460,000 donated for funeral expenses.
Officials say the fire broke out just after 1:31 a.m. at a home on the 1200 block of Arkwright Street North. When firefighters arrived, they located seven victims on the main level of the home. Deputy Chief Mokosso said the victims were unconscious when they were pulled from the home, and paramedics immediately performed CPR on all of them before they were rushed to the hospital.
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The suspect was 17 at the time of the shooting, but he was charged as an adult.
A St. Paul man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, more than two years after a drive-by shooting left a 17-year-old dead.
Casimir Semlak, of St. Paul, was charged with shooting 17-year-old Anthony Skelley in May 2022 during an apparent drug deal in South St. Paul. Police say a search of Skelley’s cell phone uncovered that the last number he was in communication with was linked to the suspect.
Semlak was also 17 at the time but was charged in the adult court system.
Following his death, family members told KARE 11 in a statement that Skelley was a junior attending St. Paul Public Schools’ Gateway to College program, and had “a beautiful soul with a cheerful presence and a joyful spirit.”
Semlak will be sentenced in January 2025.
The Moorhead Police Department said Paige Reinke was last seen Sunday wearing a blue sweatshirt and gray sweatpants.
MOORHEAD, Minn. — Officials are asking for the public’s help locating a 17-year-old Moorhead girl that is believed to be endangered.
According to the Moorhead Police Department, Paige Reinke was last seen Sunday near the 2600 block of River Drive North wearing a blue sweatshirt and gray sweatpants. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) describes her as 5-foot-4, 155 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Moorhead Police Department at 701-451-7660.
“The Power of a Transformed Woman” is Twyla Martin’s raw, unapologetic story about strength, transformation and rising above trauma.
ST PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota author and motivational speaker has written a new book and is holding a panel discussion.
“The Power of a Transformed Woman” is Twyla Martin’s raw, unapologetic story about strength, transformation, and rising above trauma.
On Friday, Nov. 1, Martin will speak with a panel at CSPS Hall in St. Paul about her book release.
- Twyla Martin – Author
- Nekima Levy Armstrong – Civil rights attorney, activities, and community organizer
- Chantel Sings – Powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and performer
- Ashley DuBose – Singer, songwriter
- Jamela Pettiford – Vocalist and actress
- Lissa Jones – Speaker, advocate for African American history and culture
- Robin Hickman-Winfield – Producer, filmmaker, and CEO of SoulTouch Productions
- Alana Carrington – Creative professional with expertise in the arts, education, and community development
