COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. — A 28-year-old woman has been formally charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse after a structure fire on August 30 claimed the lives of her four young daughters, authorities said Wednesday.
The Victims and Circumstances
The four victims—Kalani, 7; Kendall, 6; Josephina, 4; and Sophia, 2—were inside a residence on North Colony Road, near Chadbourn, when an early-morning fire broke out. Two older children, including a 12-year-old sister, escaped the fire unharmed.
First responders arrived approximately nine minutes after the 911 call, but the building was already engulfed in flames, preventing entry and rescue of the younger children.
Charges Against the Mother
The mother, identified as Reagan Noelle Powers, faces four counts of involuntary manslaughter and four counts of felony negligent child abuse with serious bodily injury. The charges stem from allegations that Powers left the younger children in the care of an 11-year-old child at the time of the fire.
Powers was arrested and held under a $400,000 bond. She later bonded out. Her next court appearance is scheduled for September 11 at 3 p.m. local time.
Ongoing Investigation
As of the latest reports, the cause of the fire is undetermined. Authorities, including the Columbus County Fire Marshal, the State Fire Marshal, and the State Bureau of Investigation, are collaborating on the investigation.
Community Response and Memorials
The children’s father and other family members described the loss as “unimaginable,” expressing both grief and gratitude for community support. More than 100 people attended a memorial service in Chadbourn shortly after the tragedy. A Celebration of Life for the four girls is scheduled in Fairmont.
This case remains under active investigation, and many details—such as the precise origin of the fire, any potential safety violations, or motive for alleged neglect—are still being clarified.
