HOUSTON, March 19 (UPI) -- The owner of a Houston day care where four children died in a fire surrendered Saturday in Nigeria, relatives say.
Jessica Tata, 22, has been charged with manslaughter in Texas, KPRC-TV reported. She was also charged with a federal crime -- unlawful flight to avoid prosecution -- and Interpol issued an arrest warrant.
Tata's mother told the television station her daughter turned herself in to police.
The Houston arson squad says Tata went on a shopping trip Feb. 24, leaving seven children, none of them older than 3, alone in the daycare center she ran in her home. While she was out, a fire started on the stove, caused by oil on a burner.
Investigators say security cameras at a nearby Target show her leaving the store. Five minutes later, she returned home, where the fire had taken hold.
Tata fled to Nigeria after the fire.
The Harris County District Attorney's Office said the State Department must initiate extradition proceedings.
