- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Arlington Today
By the People, for the People
Indiana Mom Charged in Deadly House Fire That Killed Her Son
Kristin D. Powers pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent resulting in death after leaving her 4 children alone in a burning home.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:49pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Kristin D. Powers, a 31-year-old Indiana mother, was charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death after leaving her four children alone in their burning home, leading to the death of her 7-year-old son David Bowers Jr. Authorities say Powers left the home as it was on fire and walked several blocks away, despite making two 911 calls. She initially claimed she tried to rescue the children but was unable to reach her son due to smoke and flames, but surveillance footage and witness statements contradicted her story.
Why it matters
This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of parental neglect and the importance of holding caregivers accountable for the safety and wellbeing of children in their care. It also raises questions about the state's child welfare system and whether more could have been done to protect the family prior to the fatal fire.
The details
According to authorities, Powers initially claimed she fell asleep with a lit cigarette, which led to the fire, and that she tried unsuccessfully to rescue the children. However, witness statements, surveillance footage, and digital evidence showed that Powers left the home as it was burning and walked several blocks away, despite making two 911 calls. The 7-year-old boy, David Bowers Jr., was unable to escape and died at the scene. The three other children were able to get out of the home themselves.
- On July 28, Kristin D. Powers was arrested and charged with three counts of neglect of a dependent, and one count of neglect of a dependent resulting in death.
- On March 9, Powers reached a plea deal, agreeing to plead guilty to the one count that resulted in the death of her son in exchange for the other three counts to be dropped.
- Powers was sentenced to 30 years, with 16 years to be served in prison and the remaining 14 years suspended.
The players
Kristin D. Powers
A 31-year-old Indiana mother who was charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death after leaving her four children alone in their burning home, leading to the death of her 7-year-old son.
David Bowers Jr.
The 7-year-old son of Kristin D. Powers who died in the house fire after being unable to escape.
What they’re saying
“Well I'm about to call the CPS lady back out here…and let her know that you left me here with the kids by myself when she said not to so thanks.”
— Kristin D. Powers (WTHR)
“I [redacted] hate you and I hope everything you love dies.”
— Kristin D. Powers (WTHR)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Kristin D. Powers out on bail.
The takeaway
This tragic case underscores the critical importance of parental responsibility and the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable children from neglect and abuse. It also highlights the complex challenges facing the child welfare system and the ongoing efforts to improve outcomes for families in crisis.
