HOUSTON, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- A Houston daycare center operator where four children died in a fire betrayed the trust of their parents, a prosecutor said Wednesday in his opening statement.
Jessica Tata, 24, is charged with felony murder. Her lawyer called the fire a "horrible accident," the Houston Chronicle reported.
The fire at Jackie's Child Care in February 2011 began after Tata left the children alone while she bought groceries at Target. She also left oil on the stove on a lit burner.
Four children died and three were injured.
"She obtained the trust of six families, and she betrayed that trust," Assistant District Attorney Steve Baldassano said.
Baldassano said evidence will show Tata left the children alone several times in the day before the fire. He said she even remarked to a clerk at Target she had left something on the stove but did not appear eager to hurry back to the children.
Mike DeGuerin acknowledged his client was careless. But he said she did not intend to harm the children and made desperate efforts to get them out when she returned home to find the building on fire.
Tata is on trial for the death of Elias Castillo, 18 months. Prosecutors say if she is convicted, the other deaths will factor into her sentencing. She could also face additional trials.
