Second lawsuit filed in fatal day care fire

HOUSTON

April Jackson is suing Tata, Tata's parents and her brother for neglect after her 22-month-old son suffered severe burns and permanent scars in the fire.

Tiffany Dickerson, the mother of a child killed in the fire, has also filed suit. Her 3-year-old son Shomari died in the blaze and her 2-year-old daughter Makayla was severely burned and faces more surgeries and rehabilitation to help her regain the use of her legs.

This latest lawsuit claims Tata's parents and brother helped her set up and maintain the day care knowing she wasn't fit to operate it. Tata faces multiple charges in connection with the fire including murder, reckless injury to a child, and child abandonment.

Last month, Tata pleaded not guilty to the 13 criminal charges against her at an arraignment hearing.

Copyright © 2024 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.