MT. VERNON, Ill. (WJPF) – The victims in a deadly house fire Sunday in Mt. Vernon have been identified as a young mother and her child.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s office identified the victims as Ashley Cheatham, 18, and her 14-month-old son Brendon Pauling. A third victim, the baby’s father, Cody Pauling, was severely burned on his hands, chest, and feet. Firefighters believe Cody Pauling attempted to reenter the burning home to save his family, but was unsuccessful. Pauling was taken to a regional hospital for treatment.
The cause of the fire has not been determined.
