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Sandersville Today
By the People, for the People
Two Children Killed in Sandersville Mobile Home Fire
Authorities release names of victims, 7-year-old Christian Jackson and 4-year-old Maliyah Russell
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
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The Washington County Sheriff's Office has released the names of the two children killed in a mobile home fire outside Sandersville, Georgia on Valentine's Day morning. The victims were identified as 7-year-old Christian Jackson and his 4-year-old sister Maliyah Russell. Firefighters responded to the blaze on Oak Meadow Circle around 4:30 a.m., but the children could not be saved. The cause of the fatal fire remains under investigation by local fire officials, the Georgia Fire Marshal's Office, the sheriff's office, and the county coroner.
Why it matters
The tragic loss of two young lives in a house fire is devastating for the small community of Sandersville. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the blaze in order to prevent similar incidents and provide answers to the grieving family and community.
The details
Firefighters from several surrounding fire stations responded to the mobile home fire on Oak Meadow Circle around 4:30 a.m. on Valentine's Day. Despite their efforts, 7-year-old Christian Jackson and his 4-year-old sister Maliyah Russell could not be saved. The Washington County Sheriff's Office, Georgia Fire Marshal's Office, and county coroner are investigating the cause of the fatal fire, which remains undetermined at this time.
- The fire was reported around 4:30 a.m. on February 14, 2026.
- The victims' bodies are scheduled to undergo autopsies at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory in Decatur.
The players
Joel Cochran
Washington County Sheriff who released the names of the victims.
Christian Jackson
A 7-year-old second-grader at Ridge Road Primary School who was killed in the fire.
Maliyah Russell
The 4-year-old sister of Christian Jackson who also perished in the mobile home fire.
Timothy May
Washington County School District Superintendent who issued statements about the tragedy.
What they’re saying
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of one of our students. Christian was known at RRPS for being extremely smart with a smile that always lit up the room. Our hearts are heavy for family, friends, teachers, classmates and our entire WACO community.”
— Timothy May, Washington County School District Superintendent (The Union-Recorder)
What’s next
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by local authorities. Autopsies are scheduled to be performed on the victims' bodies at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory.
The takeaway
This devastating house fire has left the small community of Sandersville in mourning over the tragic loss of two young children. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the blaze in order to provide answers and prevent similar incidents in the future.
