5 Year-Old Child From Intentionally Set House Fire Has Died

A five-year-old child has died after being critically injured in a house fire on Portland Avenue that investigators now say was intentionally set. Five-year-old Malakai Stovall was burned over 75% of his body and was on a ventilator. Rochester Police said he passed away Thursday. The multi-family home north of Norton Street caught fire before 2 a.m. Monday. In a news conference Tuesday Rochester Police said evidence indicated the fire was started at the outside of the home at points of entrance. Several people are believed to be involved. The ATF is offering $5000 for the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible. Two firefighters were also injured, one with back and rib injuries, the other with burns on his upper body. Both were treated and released from the hospital. A 19-year-old babysitter was treated for smoke inhalation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Major Crimes Unit at 585-428-7157 or email majorcrimes@cityofrochester.gov.

Source: Rochester First