Two Michigan boys, Zyaire Mitchell (12) and Lamar Mitchell (9), recently died in a house fire and their mother, Crystal Cooper, said firefighters lied about searching for them.
Crystal alleged that two Flint firefighters, Daniel Sniegocki and Michael Zlotek, lied about searching the home for survivors. As such, she’s pushing for an independent investigation of the matter, CNN reported. Daniel and Michael are also facing a civil suit from the family.
On May 28, a house on West Pulaski Street was caught on fire by damaged electrical wiring, state fire investigators revealed. The two firefighters in question reportedly signaled that everything was okay, but six minutes later, two others discovered Daniel and Michael in the debris. Flint Fire Department Chief Raymond Barton later said that Daniel and Michael made false reports, claiming they checked the second floor where the boys were located.
When Zyaire and Lamar were found, they were taken to a local hospital, where they reportedly died from smoke inhalation. Chief Barton recommended that the men be fired from their post, but the decision was later overturned through an “advisement.” The advisement was completed with City Attorney William Kim, Human Resources Department Director Eddie Smith, and City Administrator Clyde Edwards.
The fire chief reportedly said that during the home walk-through, he didn’t see any signs of searches being done in the second-floor bedrooms. The searches were reportedly in accordance with department training, which noted that one bed was made with untouched items in it.
A Flint Firefighters Local 352 representative claimed Zyaire and Lamar, were pinned as scapegoats in the case, although they each failed to search a small room–a search that its high heat and low visibility should’ve prompted.
Lawyers Todd Flood and Robert Kenner Jr. reportedly filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of the young boys’ family. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton also said he’d investigate whether criminal charges are warranted or not. After their actions were exposed, Zyaire resigned from his position and Zlotek was put on unpaid two-week suspension as well as additional training.
