Gainesville mother Lelia Soto Indicted In Four Children's Deaths

Apr 3, 2004 - 15:18
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A Gainesville mother accused of accidentally killing four children -- two of them her neighbor's -- was indicted by a Hall County grand jury on involuntary-manslaughter charges.

Authorities say 26-year-old Lelia Soto left the four children unattended for more than 20 minutes while food cooked on the stove.

 

The grand jury said Thursday the fire was preventable.

Killed in the blaze were Soto's children, four-year-old Saul Jr. and one-year-old Yamilet Olivas.

Soto's neighbor, Florina Castillo, also lost two children in the fire, four-year-old Mauricio and one-year-old Jordy Diaz. Soto was baby-sitting the children when the fire broke out February 23rd.

The children died of smoke inhalation.

If convicted, Soto faces one to ten years in prison for each of the involuntary-manslaughter charges.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.