SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A woman whose 2-year-old son died in a suspected arson fire outside Salem has been arrested on manslaughter and child neglect charges.
The Statesman Journal reports Jessica Pearce was arrested on a warrant Saturday by Aumsville police and taken to Marion County jail, where she is being held without bail.
On Feb. 1, Oregon State Police and firefighters responded to the residential fire in Stayton and found the child’s body.
Investigators said they were investigating the blaze as a possible arson.
Police confirmed Christopher James Pearce was the victim, but haven’t released additional information regarding the investigation.
An indictment filed Monday accused Pearce of causing her son’s death by neglect and maltreatment and with criminal negligence.
It wasn’t immediately known if she had a lawyer.
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Information from: Statesman Journal, http://www.statesmanjournal.com