Chicago women charged with child endangerment after fire kills 2 kids

(CBS) CHICAGO - Two women are charged in connection with the fire-related deaths of two small children over the weekend on the southwest side of Chicago, CBS Chicago reports.

Britany Meakens, 22, and Tatiana Meakens, 23, are each charged with two felony counts of endangering a child, resulting in death, and two misdemeanor counts of endangering the life and health of a child, the station reports.

Police say Tatiana Meakens is the mother of Javaris Davis, 2, and Jariya Meakens, 3, both of whom died in a fire that broke out early Saturday morning.  The fire appears to have started from a hot plate that was being used for heat, CBS Chicago reports.

Britany Meakens is the aunt of the deceased children and resided at the same residence, according to the station.

Authorities are investigating whether the children were home alone when the fire occurred.

Both women are scheduled to appear in court today.

The other children who lived at the residence, and were present when the fire broke out, are now under the care of the state's child welfare agency, CBS Chicago reports.