Toddler left home alone with siblings burnt to death in oven

A TODDLER has burned to death in an oven while playing with her young siblings after their mother left them home alone, police said.

Police found 19-month-old J’zyra Thompson’s body covered in burn marks at her home in Houston, Texas last Tuesday.

Two of J’zyra’s siblings, both three-years-old, told investigators that one of them put their sister in the oven while the other turned it on, according to court records obtained by Eyewitness News.

The children said they made the oven “hot” and J’zyra was kicking the door while inside. J’zyra’s mother, Racquel Thompson, attempted CPR on the infant when she got home, but couldn’t revive her.

Family ... J’zyra Thompson’s grandmother Gina Dennis said she didn’t know what happened when the children were left alone in the apartment. Picture: Click2Houston.comSource:Supplied

Thompson’s mother Gina Dennis, who lives in the same apartment building, said she didn’t “know exactly what happened” in the home the night the toddler died.

“She was a sweet baby,” Dennis told Click2Houston. “This is unexplainable, so, I have no words.”

According to court records, Thompson and her boyfriend left four children at home on Monday night to pick up a pizza and prescription. They did not tell Dennis they were leaving.

Thompson, who is seven months pregnant, reportedly admitted to police she often left the kids home alone to drive her boyfriend to work at a pizza place. She also drove the children around without car seats or a driver’s licence.

Houston Police Department homicide investigator Rhonda Pemberton told Chron the death appeared to be accidental.

Scene ... J'zyra Thompson’s family home in Houston, Texas. Picture: Inside EditionSource:Supplied

Child Protective Services said Thompson’s three surviving children are in foster care, as there are no suitable relatives to care for them. Thompson also has an older child who lives with his father.

While no charges have yet been filed against Thompson or her boyfriend, CPS workers said in their court filings that criminal charges are expected.

“There are concerns that the children were often left home alone and without adult supervision. CPS had prior involvement with the mother and her children,” agency spokeswoman Estella Olguin told AP in an email.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help pay for J’zyra’s funeral costs.