PLANO (WBAP/KLIF News) – The Plano Police Department said they believe an arson fire at the Villas of Preston Creek Apartments on Preston Road Monday may have been an attempt to cover up child abuse.
Investigators said the mother, Santhiya Lakshmigari, allegedly set that fire that killed her and left her five-year-old son in critical condition. Authorities said the child passed away from his injuries Wednesday night.
The Plano Police Department’s David Tilley told WFAA TV that when firefighters began looking into the scene, they knew that something was not right and contacted the authorities.
“We were notified that there could be some suspicious circumstances related to this fire,” said Tilley.
Firefighters discovered that the boy’s throat had been slashed and his skull was fractured.
Neighbors said that Lakshmigari displayed strange behavior but they were shocked about the possibility that she was responsible for the crimes.
Shirelle Chapman, Lakshmagari’s neighbor, told WFAA TV she would often see the woman screaming or talking to herself.
“She would be standing out here talking and I was thinking she was talking on the phone but I think she was talking to herself,” she said.
Police said it’s policy to continue their investigation even if the accused has died.
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