Three Girls Arrested After Fire Destroys Baby’s Nursery in Citrus Heights

A family in Citrus Heights, California, is struggling to recover after a shocking act of arson destroyed the nursery they had lovingly prepared for their baby, who is due in just three weeks. Police say three juvenile girls were arrested after allegedly throwing a lit firecracker through a bedroom window, sparking a blaze that tore through the home.

The Incident

Surveillance footage provided by the family shows the three girls arriving at the residence just after 7 p.m. The video captures them tossing the firecracker through a window, and within minutes, alarms began blaring as flames erupted inside. The fire quickly spread through the room designated as the baby’s nursery, filling the home with smoke and soot.

At the time of the attack, expectant mother Leslie Morgan was out with her children picking up food. She received a notification from her surveillance app and immediately called her husband to alert him. With the help of a neighbor, he grabbed a hose and tried to contain the fire until emergency crews arrived.

Loss of the Nursery

Although no one was physically injured, the emotional toll has been devastating. The nursery was completely destroyed, along with all the baby items the family had recently received at a shower. Morgan explained: “We lost everything for him — bottles, diapers, wipes, towels, clothes, playpen, stroller, car seat. I literally just had my baby shower two weeks ago and received everything on our registry.”

The fire left the room heavily damaged, and soot spread throughout the entire home. For Morgan, the heartbreak is not just about the material loss but the emotional connection to the space she had prepared for her child. She admitted that while she had been eager for the baby’s arrival, she now hopes he stays in the womb longer so the family has time to rebuild and prepare again.

Possible Motive

Morgan believes the girls may have been targeting her daughter in what she suspects was a prank or bullying attempt. Police are investigating the motive, but the family is left grappling with the senselessness of the act.

Community Impact

The incident has shaken the neighborhood, highlighting the dangers of reckless behavior and the devastating consequences it can have on families. While the Morgans are grateful that no one was hurt, they are mourning the loss of the nursery and the sense of security in their home.

Source : ABC10, Citrus Heights Police Department