Investigation continues in deadly fire at William Bell Apartment Complex in Gulfport

The Gulfport Fire Department is still investigating the early Wednesday morning fire at the William Bell apartment complex.

Gulfport Fire Chief Billy Kelley said the fire started in the kitchen. The flames first appeared on the stove-top before engulfing the second floor, leaving six-year-old Vashun Viverette and four-day-old Kakashi Aubrey dead and six others hurt.

While it’s alleged the smoke detector was not working to alert the family of the fire, one family member, Rosie Schoemaker, thinks that foul play may have been involved. “I would like to know what happened. what caused it? 3 o’clock in the morning…somebody knows something. They need to come forward and say something because that doesn’t sit right with me. you know, them innocent children.”

Donations for the family, who lost everything in the fire, can be dropped off at the Thrift Mart on 345 Pass Road in Gulfport. Call Brother Brad at 228-864-0788.