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The family of a toddler and his father who were severely burned in a Klein-area apartment fire Monday is seeking the public's help to pay for the family's medical bills, clothing, shelter and food after they "lost literally everything, including their pets."
Reanna Sandefer said in a verified GoFundMe for her family that her sister woke up around 2:30 a.m July 20 to the smell of smoke, and within minutes, the apartment beneath her was engulfed in flames. The fire destroyed an eight-unit building at 4607 Cypresswood and displaced around 25 residents, authorities said.
FATAL FIRES: Three die as fatal fires strike Cy-Fair, Klein and northeast Houston over two days
Sandefer wrote in her GoFundMe that her "sweet" 3-year-old nephew was airlifted to Shriners Children's Texas Hospital, and that he and his father are in critical condition. Sandefer said her sister, Dominique, Dominique's partner, their three children and her other sister, Taty, "lost everything they own," including their pets.
Atwater, 37, was charged with felony murder and arson Monday in connection with the fire. Atwater allegedly set the fire after an argument with his family Sunday evening, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Monday. One of Atwater's family members who lived in the same unit, Andrew Atwater, 40, died at the hospital Monday from injuries he suffered, Gonzalez said.
Sandefer's fundraiser had raised $10,450 of its $12,000 goal as of Tuesday afternoon.
Six residents were treated at the scene of the fire and seven were taken to the hospital, authorities said. Five firefighters were also treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, dehydration and exhaustion.
Atwater was in custody at the Harris County Jail Tuesday. A judge had not yet set bail. The case has been referred to district court. Atwater did not have an attorney as of Tuesday.
Harris County authorities arrested Atwater April 13 as an out-of-county fugitive wanted in Jasper County, according to court records. Atwater was wanted on warrants issued the day prior on allegations including aggravated assault against a public servant and deadly conduct, the records show. Court records indicate authorities returned Atwater to Jasper County on April 24.
Atwater was released on bond from the Jasper County Jail May 9, according to court records.
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