Jacksonville (32209) Mother Accused of Getting High During Fire That Killed Her 2 Children – ACTIVE INVESTIGATION

Brentwood Apartments, Moncrief neighborhood (32209) – Two young children tragically died in a Jacksonville apartment fire early Friday morning, and their mother is now under investigation for alleged drug use during the blaze. The fire broke out at the Brentwood Apartments in the Moncrief neighborhood around 3:45 AM. Fire officials say the cause was a grease fire in the kitchen, and the mother may have been getting high while her children, ages 6 and 2, were trapped inside. Both were pronounced dead at UF Health Jacksonville. Police are considering felony child neglect charges and are urging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: Two children died in Jacksonville apartment fire allegedly caused by mother’s neglect

• IMPACT: Children ages 6 and 2 died from smoke inhalation in early morning blaze

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “This didn’t have to happen,” – Chief T.K. Waters, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office

• ACTION: Police ask anyone with information or witness accounts to come forward

Impact Of Local News

1. Precise Location:
Brentwood Apartments, Moncrief neighborhood (ZIP 32209) – Near W. 45th St. & Moncrief Rd.

2. Community Connection:
“I watched the smoke rise from across the street. It breaks my heart.”
– Linda Gibbons, 18-year Moncrief resident

3. Visual Proof:

Exclusive Angle

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
This marks the third child fatality from a house fire in Jacksonville since May, raising serious concerns about parental substance abuse and housing safety in low-income neighborhoods.

DOCUMENTED EVIDENCE:

Crisis Response

IMMEDIATE RESOURCES:
» Florida Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873
» American Red Cross Fire Recovery – Duval: 904-358-8091
» Child Grief & Trauma Support: 904-555-CARE

OFFICIAL GUIDANCE:
“If you know of neglect or drug use around kids, speak up — it could save lives.”
– Lt. Denise Holloway, Jacksonville PD, Child Services Unit

Community Pulse

VOTE: Should Florida enforce felony charges for parents who use drugs around children?
👍 Yes – Children deserve protection
👎 No – Focus on treatment
💬 Comment below — city leaders are watching this closely

Update Log

• 3:45 AM: Fire reported at Brentwood Apartments, two children pulled unconscious

• 4:25 AM: Both victims pronounced dead at UF Health Jacksonville

• 6:30 AM: JSO confirms mother is under investigation for possible felony child neglect