Sentenced: Meth Mom Gets 5 Years Of Probation For Causing Fire That Killed 8YO Son

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Dakota Rae Jones, 33, pleaded guilty to two counts: endangering children and attempted endangering children, both felonies. Several other counts, including involuntary manslaughter, were dismissed.

Jones was sentenced to five years of probation. She could additionally face three months of jail time if deemed warranted by the county's probation office.

That sentence was a joint recommendation by both prosecutors and the defense attorney, court assignment commissioner Michelle Sweet said.

Jones is the mother of Wyatt Duchette, 8, who was killed in a house fire on June 7, 2023. His stepbrother Paxton was also injured in the blaze.

Jones was initially charged with five counts of endangering children and two counts of involuntary manslaughter.

According to the official report from Frank Reitmeier of the State Fire Marshal's Office, a glass pipe was found in the cushion debris of the couch during the scene examination. It is thought to be the source of the fire.

"Based on my education, training and experience, scene examination, fire pattern analysis, and statements obtained, it is my opinion that the cause of this fire is accidental," according to the report. "The carelessly discarded smoking materials found in the combustible seating materials of the couch could not be eliminated as the heat source for this fire."

Police tests of the pipe were positive for methamphetamines, according to then-Norwalk Police Assistant Chief Michael Biller.

Wyatt Duchette's mother sentenced

Pleaded guilty in fatal fire case

norwalkreflector.com

Wyatt Scott DuchetteJan