safety
Mother and father charged after 3 children left alone in cockroach-infested home during fire, authorities say
By Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· July 2, 2026
· 3 min read
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) - A mother and father are facing charges after three young children were left home alone during a fire late Monday, police said.According to the Columbia Police Department, 28-year-old Zana Oden faces three counts of unlawful conduct of a child. She appeared in cour...
Key takeaway According to the Columbia Police Department, 28-year-old Zana Oden faces three counts of unlawful conduct of a child.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The disturbing case of three young children left alone in a cockroach-infested home during a fire in Columbia, South Carolina, raises concerns about child welfare and safety in similar situations that could occur in Atlanta . Although this incident happened outside of Atlanta, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks faced by children in neglectful situations. In Atlanta, where community resources and social services are available to support families, it is crucial for residents to be aware of their neighbors' well-being, especially when it comes to vulnerable children. The fact that the children in this case were left alone for at least a week without anyone checking on them is a troubling indication of a broader systemic issue. As Atlanta continues to grow and develop, it is essential for local authorities and community organizations to prioritize child safety and provide support to families in need, to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the city.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 3 min
Get more The Atlanta stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) - A mother and father are facing charges after three young children were left home alone during a fire late Monday, police said.According to the Columbia Police Department, 28-year-old Zana Oden faces three counts of unlawful conduct of a child. She appeared in cour...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter