Mother of 3 found stabbed to death, baby dies in Daytona Beach apartment fire

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A woman was found stabbed to death and her 11-month-old child died after a fire broke out at an apartment in Daytona Beach, officials said.

The fire started late Monday inside a unit a the Countryside Apartments on Beville Road.

Daytona Beach firefighters said when they went inside the apartment, the mother of three was found dead. Her name has not been released.

The baby was found in a crib and died after being taken to a hospital, fire officials said. The child’s cause of death is not yet known, police said. The child’s age was initially disclosed as 1-month-old, but Daytona Beach police later stated that the baby was just under 1 year old.

Two other children, a 4-year-old and a 5-year-old, were taken to Shands Hospital in Gainesville in critical condition, according to Young.

“This is a horrific incident two days out from a holiday that centers around family,” Young said.

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State investigators said they found two possible sources of the fire, which indicates the blaze may have been intentionally set. Police said they are investigating the fire as a homicide, but no information about a possible suspect has been released.

Investigators said a Daytona Beach police officer was treated for smoke inhalation.

“I’m very proud of all the officers that initially responded, as well as fire and medical personnel,” Young said. “If it wasn’t for their actions, there probably would have been more lives lost.”

Check back for updates.