Child Death/Brinkman

Child Dies from Arson

By Kara Brinkman

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The death of a 3-year-old child in the fire led police to arrest two in suspicion of arson, according to officials.

Tiffany Blanchard, 3, died early this morning of smoke inhalation after being trapped on the second floor of burning duplex at 1275 Monroe St. with her two brothers, Torry 5, and Terry 6, according to a spokesperson for Bronson Memorial Hospital. The seven other tenants escaped the burning building.

Firefights Samuel Walshe, of Company 4, and James O’Brian, of Company 2, tore a hole in the wall of the building and pulled the three children from the flames, according to Patricia Clarksen, deputy chief of the Kalamazoo Fire Department.

Police suspect that the fire started around 2 a.m. By the time the fire was called in at 2:10 a.m. and firefighters were on the scene, the building was already engulfed in flames. There is $250,000 worth of damage, Clarksen said. Fire Marshall Sam Johnson investigated the fire and suspects the use of some sort of exhilarant.

Police believe that Marie Blanchard, the children’s mother, was the target of arson by her estranged boyfriend. According to reports, witnesses spotted two figures fleeing the scene and evidence led police to suspect and arrest Vincent DeNafrio, 33, and a 16-year-old unidentified juvenile, both of Mattawan, on suspicion of arson said Lt. Regina Santarpio of the Kalamazoo Police Department. “We believe that DeNafrio is the estranged boyfriend,” said Santarpio. The suspects are to be arraigned tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Both Torry and Terry survived the fire. They were treated for minor injuries at Bronson Memorial Hospital and released to their mother at 10 a.m., according to officials at Bronson.

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