Florida, December 30: A Girl, 11, and her 15-year old boyfriend have been charged with attempted murder after setting her mothers bedroom ablaze in the middle of the night.
The pair poured gasoline in the woman’s bedroom while she slept and then ignited it, fleeing in the victim’s sedan, according to the Clearwater Police Department in Florida.
Luckily, a smoke alarm went off and she was able to get out but not before suffering serious burns and smoke inhalation, the police said.
Her injuries were described as serious but not life threatening.
The episode can be chalked up to “teenage angst,” a police spokeswoman said.
The mother and daughter, who have an “extensive family history” of cases filed with the state Department of Children and Families, reportedly quarrelled before the incident.
“It escalated…when the mother confronted the daughter about stealing a few of her cigarettes,” the police spokeswoman added.
As flames tore through the house, the woman collapsed in the front yard and screamed desperately “My baby! Where’s my baby!” fearing that her daughter was still inside.
Both juveniles were charged with attempted murder and arson resulting in serious injury.
The youth will also stand for a grand theft charge related to stealing the victim’s car.
The girl is being detained for psychiatric assessment after making statements that made detectives believe she may try to harm herself.
—Agencies