A courageous son attempted to rescue his mother, who was crying out in distress, from a fatal residential fire reportedly ignited by her former partner.
Stephanie Wiley, aged 48, tragically passed away in the early hours of September 1, as confirmed by the authorities. Her son, who was also present during the fire, sustained a fractured pelvis while leaping out of a window in an effort to save her.
Upon the arrival of emergency responders, Wiley was unresponsive and later succumbed to severe burns and smoke inhalation at the hospital. Her son, who is still hospitalized with severe injuries, is said to be recovering, according to family sources.
Allegations suggest that the fire was intentionally set by Shawn Fails, the ex-boyfriend of the victim. Surveillance footage from a neighbor’s Ring camera apparently captures the suspect starting the fire outside before fleeing the scene.
Neighbor Freda Scott recounted, “I could hear her screaming and hollering for her life. We see her in the window and then the screaming stopped. I haven’t been able to sleep – it’s in my head, and it’s really sad.”
A fundraising campaign on GoFundMe has raised £5,000 for Stephanie, honoring her as a “wonderful mother.”
In a heartfelt tribute, a family member wrote, “Our beautiful Stephanie. She was the most beautiful loving big-hearted person you will ever meet, always offering a helping hand and a listening ear.”
Stephanie, a daughter, mother of two sons, a sister, sister-in-law, godmother, and first-time grandmother, was cherished by her family and community.
Fails is facing charges of murder, aggravated assault, and arson, as per the police statement.
This incident follows the tragic death of a one-year-old girl allegedly beaten by her mother’s boyfriend, resulting in severe head injuries necessitating surgical intervention.
Imani Mitchell suffered significant subdural hemorrhaging and brain herniation due to the alleged assaults by Jerome Thomas, who was arrested the day after the incident. The child was declared deceased with the cause attributed to homicide, according to law enforcement.
Thomas, charged with felony assault and other related offenses, was in custody after babysitting the child on the evening of August 28.
