safety
Mother and father charged after 3 children left alone in cockroach-infested home during fire, authorities say
By KGNS — Sitewide
· July 2, 2026
· 3 min read
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) - A mother and father are facing charges after three young children were left home alone during a fire late Monday, police said.According to the Columbia Police Department, 28-year-old Zana Oden faces three counts of unlawful conduct of a child. She appeared in cour...
Key takeaway According to the Columbia Police Department, 28-year-old Zana Oden faces three counts of unlawful conduct of a child.
Why this matters in Laredo News
This disturbing incident in Columbia, South Carolina, raises concerns about child safety and neglect in our own community. In Laredo , where many families face economic challenges, it's crucial for local authorities and social services to be vigilant about potential cases of child abandonment or neglect. The fact that the three children were left alone for at least a week before the fire is a stark reminder of the need for robust support systems for vulnerable families. As our city continues to grow and develop, it's essential that we prioritize the well-being and safety of our youngest residents. The Laredo community should be aware of the resources available to help families in crisis, such as the local child protective services and emergency response teams. By learning from this tragic event, we can work towards preventing similar incidents from occurring in our own backyard.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) - A mother and father are facing charges after three young children were left home alone during a fire late Monday, police said.According to the Columbia Police Department, 28-year-old Zana Oden faces three counts of unlawful conduct of a child. She appeared in cour...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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