Mom Charged In Fire That Killed 3-Year-Old, Says 'Family Was Treating Her Badly'

NASHVILLE, TN — An Antioch mother face aggravated arson charges after police say she admitted to setting the fire that killed her 3-year-old daughter August 7.

Ehitayehu Dessie allegedly told police she set the fire inside her family's unit at Stone Ridge Apartments because her family had been treating her badly. The fire, which destroyed seven units, displaced 22 people and killed Dessie's 3-year-old daughter, Elizabeth.

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Ehitayehu Dessie had burns on her hand, while her husband had burns on more than 80 percent of his body. The couple’s 5-year-old son was hospitalized as a precaution after the fire.

Image via Metro Nashville Police