The Region - News from Oct. 6, 1986

Two children, playing with matches after their mother had left their South Los Angeles home to use a neighbor’s bathroom, caused a fire that killed their 10-month-old sister, authorities said. Larry Kirven, 4, and Devon Kirven, 2, escaped through the front door, but their sister, Lashell L. Teague, died of smoke inhalation and burns, police Detective Michael McDonagh said. The children’s mother, Beverly Kirven, 21, told investigators the plumbing in the home was not working and she had gone to a neighbor’s house.