MCKEESPORT, Pa. - A Pennsylvania prosecutor said a 5-year-old boy who is accused of starting a fire that killed a young girl near Pittsburgh cannot be charged with a crime because of his age.
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala alleged Thursday that the 2-year-old girl’s cousin intentionally started the fire last Sunday in McKeesport.
A spokesman said in a statement Friday that any child younger than 7 suspected of criminal activity is treated as a dependency case to decide whether a crime was the result of abuse or neglect.
Zappala said Thursday that the boy is being evaluated by the Office of Children, Youth and Families, which may start court proceedings to remove him from his family because he has a history of starting fires.
Front Section, Pages 3 on 03/30/2014