The mother of the 14-year-old handicapped fire victim who died in a home fire near Vichy on Sunday, has been charged with second degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child, resulting in death. 

Investigators found evidence at the scene that Ashlyn Ellis was not able to get out of her bed because a wooden gate with a metal spring-loaded hasp, assessable for the outside of the bed only, kept her from leaving the bed and thus getting out of the house as it burned, according to the probable cause statement.

Tracy Ellis, 42, of MCR 438, St. James, was arrested Tuesday evening and is being held in the Maries County Jail. 

The probable cause statement said investigators discovered Tracy Ellis knowingly left the handicapped child unattended for several hours. She said Ashlyn could not speak or take care of herself. Findings at the autopsy performed in Columbia on March 19, were suet from the fire in the girl’s trachea and her diaper was reported to contain excessive amounts of urine and feces. 

Look for more details in online and in future editions of the Maries County Advocate.

Orginal Story:

Maries County Sheriff Chris Heitman on Monday reported he can’t release much information at this time but said a 13-year-old, handicapped girl was home alone and could not get out of the residence that burned on Sunday near Vichy.

Ashlyn Ellis, 13, daughter of Tracy Doria Ellis, was found dead at the residence on Sunday after fire consumed the home where she lived. Ashlyn has two siblings, Connor, age 16, and Kameron, age 12, and grandparents, Johnny and Janet Ellis.

The Maries County Sheriff’s Office, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Vichy Fire Department are investigating a fire on MCR 438.

“Tragically, a 13 year old female was inside during the fire and she passed away, “ he said.

Her body was taken to the Medical Examiner’s office in Columbia with an autopsy scheduled for Tuesday.

A gofundme fundraiser page was set up on behalf of Tracy Ellis titled Team Ellis to help with funeral and fire expenses. Also, Tracy Ellis’s sister said if people who live close would like to donate clothes she can give an address to send the items to. As of Tuesday afternoon, $2,330 toward a goal of $10,000 had been donated.